North West Youth Orchestra brings their A-game to Huis Eikelaan
The rhythmic Syncopated Clock by Leroy Anderson, was a rousing start with what could well be the orchestra’s signature tune.
A packed audience enjoyed a varied programme of classical and popular music from the North West Youth Orchestra at the Huis Eikelaan hall on Friday 21 August.
The rhythmic Syncopated Clock by Leroy Anderson, was a rousing start with what could well be the orchestra’s signature tune.
This was followed by more Anderson [Sleigh Ride and Blue Tango] and the joyful arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien. After this boisterous start, a more sombre theme from Schindler’s List followed with the sensitively played solo contribution by the Concert Master, Nico Smit.
The introductory phase conducted by Prof Liesl van der Merwe was followed by Dr André Oosthuizen presenting The Byzantine Dances [Chambers] followed by the well-known Flower Duet from the opera Lakme [Delibes]. It was only after a while that one realised that there were no human voices performing as the orchestra uncannily played a rendition of the beautiful harmonies of the song. Full Marks to the arrangement by R Meyer and the orchestra.
The Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof [Brock] revived the memory of the film of yesteryear with the actor Topol. The Hebrew theme of the ‘Fiddler’ was built on with the traditional Hanukkah Festival [arranged by Bernotas].
řThen followed the recognisable extract from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 6 and a combination of snippets about ‘time’ in “It’s About Time” arranged by M Story.
Prof Liesl van der Merwe led the musicians through the balance of the programme commencing with a movement from Dvořaks 9th Symphony followed by a voiceless soloist [hampered by pneumonia] with ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’. Once again the orchestra carried the brunt of the song with honours.
Dreams of Fireflies [O’Neill] presented recognisable extracts with finger clicking and hand clapping by the musicians. The evening’s performance was concluded with gusto by the traditional Guantanamera made popular by Trini Lopez in the 70’s.
The orchestra made the most of its performing talents by improvising with what they have. For example, using a few guest players, replacing Oboe parts with a Flute, and having the orchestra representing vocals.
This versatility was especially clear in the Percussion group where members interchanged comfortably between instruments and provided the required backbone to performances.
Even the conductors André Oosthuizen and Liesl van der Merwe showed their enthusiasm by introducing and highlighting the background and intricacies of the musical pieces, but not to neglect their body language conveying their enjoyment of their work.
A joyful occasion for all present.
Written by Lang Piet
