Merlin Music Society Review February  2008

The 4th February saw yet another successful concert for the Merlin Music Society. The European Union Chamber Orchestra, started in 1981, began its programme with Mendelssohn's 'Symphony for Strings in B minor, no.10'. As a woodwind player naturally, if irrationally, biased against strings, it was with some trepidation that I greeted the prospect of an orchestra solely comprising strings. It was a pleasant surprise, therefore, to discover that I need not have worried. Each player performed with the virtuosity of a soloist, yet with the unity of an ensemble. Eva Stegeman led the orchestra with elegant poise and infectious enthusiasm. The Dutch violinist studied with Davina van Wely at Royal Conservatory in The Hague and with David Takeno and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. The Orchestra then joined forces with Kit Armstrong for Mozart's 'Piano Concerto in E flat major'. Although it lacked an emotional maturity, perhaps excusable given the soloist’s mere 16 years, the performance was exceptional technically. With such a well-known piece, there is a danger that it can become overly predictable. However, the confidence with which he played was refreshing.

The interval was followed by Glazunov's 'Idyll for Horn and Strings'. The lyricism of the strings was almost reminiscent of the golden age of MGM, and this combined with the understated simplicity of Mark Paine's horn-playing to create an atmosphere of relaxed calm so profound in the audience that it seemed almost a shame to disturb it with the Haydn. His 'Symphony no.44 in E minor (Trauer)' exemplifies perfectly his renowned sense of romance and drama. Considered to be one of Haydn's most poignant and expressive pieces, it is easy to understand why it is reported that he asked for the Adagio movement to be played at his funeral. The passion of the Presto in particular made it an ideal piece to finish a truly memorable concert.

Anouska Lester