Man interrupted

I was distracted by family matters for this final AYO concert. I heard CPE Bach and William Walton by TV from the foyer. The Bach sounded lovely in its dignified way, if nothing like the real thing, but the Walton didn't come over so successfully on these little speakers. Perhaps the audio should be better in the foyer, but then TV is standard. I got in for Genevieve Lacey playing three Bach reinventions by Elena Kats-Chernin and they were both convincing with truly impressive recorder playing and a joyous and respectful revision by Katz-Chernin. Alexander Orchestra under Brad Cohen played Stravinsky Suites for small orchestra no.1,2 and they were variously restrained and riotous so very satisfying. Then the ultimate major work of the night and of the Camp, the huge Bishop Orchestra under Erik Nielsen playing Schoenberg Pelleas and Melisande. I remained distracted but caught a huge work of grand scope and strangely not split into movements. One to revisit under different circumstances.

Genevieve Lacey (recorder) performed with the Smalley Chamber Orchestra. The Bishop Orchestra under Brad Cohen performed Stravinsky. The Alexander Orchestra under Erik Nielsen performed Schoenberg. Both performed at Llewellyn Hall for the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp 2016.