I came in late for this one after travel and it was not a easy program. NCO was played a concert comprising an overture by Miriam Hyde (relatively easy but with a few unexpected twists), a viola sonata by Rebecca Clarke arranged for orchestra (three movements, airy and impressionistic, with some wonderful playing from soloist Alina Zamfir) and a doozy, Berlioz Symphonie fantastique. I'd been amused to hear a somewhat bizarre response from some professionals about that one before the rehearsals started. And it was bizarre, but quite intriguing in the end, when finally pulled it off. This had had the most work and was the most fearsome of the three and thus went off best on the day. Fear can prompt focused practice. Whatever, we got a good review that ended: "Executing this daring program with such flair and competence would have been beyond many community orchestras, but the NCO was up for the challenge, and delivered" (Michael Wilson in CBR City News, 2 Dec 2024). I expect most would agree given a joyous exit after the Berlioz. Nice one and much enjoyed as always.
National Capital Orchestra performed Miriam Hyde, Rebecca Clarke and Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique at Snow Concert Hall under Louis Sharpe (conductor) with soloist Alina Zamfir (viola).
