Accademics

Brad Tham led our latest Musica da Camera outing.  It was his first outing as a conductor and he did a great job, as conductor and also as an inspirational soloist in a Vaughan Williams concerto.  It's his Concerto Accademico.  I've been thinking it's an etude for students, given the odd twists and timings throughout, but apparently it's a homage to a Bach concerto.  I don't hear that at all, but so be it.  Suffice to say it's tricky.  The other works were a lovely pavane by John Dowland , all drenched melancholy and obvious renaissance origins, and two other longer works for string orchestra by Dag Wirren and John Rutter.  Neither looked particularly challenging, at least in the bass scores, but they too proved tricky at speed.  Fast counts do that.  But the outcome was capable and satisfying given some late concentration on my part.  It's such a pleasure to play with this group.  I will miss it given a break for a few months.  Thanks and cheers to all.  Impressive.

Brad Tham (conductor, violin) directed and soloed for Musica da Camera at Cook.