"A veritable muusical feast" "Production hit a high note"
"Five star performance"
"Sparkling Night with the Knighton..."
"Glorious performance by musicians..."
"Adventurous choices and an agile performance..."
"A solid performance and wonderful music..."
"An unusually close encounter, with much joyful energy..."
"A great night out in Leicester"
My Picks of the Week
Dominic Sandbrook, The Sunday Times, February 4th, 2024
The last concert I went to was by the Knighton Chamber Orchestra in Leicester, probably the best amateur orchestra in the country. They played Aaron Copland, Philip Glass and Amy Beach, and it was absolutely brilliant.
A Concert of American Music, Saturday, January 20th, 2024.
A review by Arthur Sandbrook (Age 12)
It was late as I entered the majestic Church of St James the Greater which was to host Leicester's first ever performance of Amy Beach's Gaelic Symphony. That evening there were to be three pieces: Aaron Copland's An Outdoor Overture, Philip Glass's mesmeric Violin Concerto No 1 and Beaches's symphony.
Amy Beach has a remarkably interesting story. A child prodigy, she was composing her first waltzes at the age of four.She started formal music lessons on the piano when she was six, but her only formal tuition was with individual tutors in New Hampshire and Boston. She was largely self taught, but blessed with perfect pitch and synaesthesia which allowed her to see notes in colour.
When she grew up, she married Harvard lecturer Doctor HenryBeach and , as was the custon at that time, her performances from then on were under his name. Dr Beach only allowed his wife to give two perfomances a year and restricted her access to a tutor. Despite this, she completed he Gaelic Symphony in 1896. It is the first symphony published by an American woman. I enjoyed hearing it, in particular ther violin solo, which to my ear brought the Gaelic tones to the piece. This was the first performance of Amy Beach's symphony in Leicester. I hope it will not be the last.
The opening piece of the evening was Aaron Copland's monumental Outdoor Overture. Like other pieces by Copland, this was bold music designed to make the audience feel the might and power of America. Copland wrote this piece especially for the High School of Music and Art in New York, which was inspiring, I loved that this ambitious piece of music which was written for young people, not much older than me. The more I listened to it, the more I felt the sense of optimism and hop that was part of Copland's vision of America.
The second piece was the first of Philip Glass's violin concertos. I loved this, It felt familiar because we sometimes listen to Philip Glass at home and last year I saw the opera Akhenaten. This violin concerto was in three parts and had a solo, which was played by, in the conductors's own words, 'One of the most, if not the most, talented violinists in the country, Fenella Humphreys.'The soloist's performance was magnificent, as was the piece. The speed of her playing was asatonishing. At many times, some of the hairs on her bow snapped! There was great energy to this performance and, as with other pieces by Glass that I have heard, a sense of menace. Miss Humphreys was really impressive.
It was a real privilege to hear this concert of American music on a cold January night. Leicester is very lucky to have Knighton Chamber Orchestra.
Golden chance to hear renowned pianist
Leicester Mercury Mailbox, January 28th, 2020
How lucky we are to have the chance to hear the renowned pianist Arina Lazgiian play Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto, just before she is to play it in London at st John's, Smith Square.
The Russian pianist, who has performed in many parts of the world, will be playing the concerto with the Knighton Chamber Orchestra with Paul Jenkins Conducting. The concert is at Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at 7-30.
Also included in the programme are two pieces by Benjamin Britten Soirees Musicales and the Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, with Mark Penny playing the horn and Richard Roddis singing. Tickets are available on the door or at the Attenborough Arts Centre.
Mat Salleh, Leicester
Two perfomances that were outstanding
Leicester Mercury Mailbox, February 12th, 2020
The Knighton Chamber Orchestra continues to suprise and delight.
At its latest concert we had two outstanding performances: first there was Britten's extraordinarily moving serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, magically evoked by Richard Roddis and Mark Penny, and to follow an electrifying performance of Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto, by Arina Lazgiian.
For both, Paul Jenkins's orchestra provided subtle accompaniment, and reminded us that there is still, dare I say in these greyish times, a vibrant European culture that we are part of.
Roger Cairns, Swannington
This Concert was an Auspicious and Memorable Occassion, October 12th 2019
The concert was given to celebrate two hundred years of the Holy Cross Priory Church and it attracted a very large audience, many of whom, no doubt, were curious to hear a live performance of Rossini's Stabat Mater - a work that received one of its first ever church performances at Holy cross.
It is a large scale piece, which in many respects is typical of the composer, its ten sections ranging from a jaunty quasi - Neopolitan song style to moments of intensity and high drama. Throughout, Rossini's lyrical talent is to the fore and this compelling performance, conducted by Paul Jenkins brought out both the sisitivity and the power of the work and it is clear that a lot of care and attention had gone into its preparation.
Coro Nostro may be called a chamber choir , but its members certainly produced enough tone to fill the huge space of Holy Cross Priory. However, they could also bring the volume down to a whisper where necessary and it was this flexibility, coupled with an infectious enthusiasm that made their contribution enjoyable.
The four hard - working soloists: Michelle Carlin, soprano; Alice Chambers, Mezzo; Richard Roddis, tenor and Robert Clarke, bass also relished the superb accoustic and were clearly audible in their various sections, thanks in no small measure to the conductor's careful control of dynamics.
Choir and soloists were well - matched by the ever - impressive KCO, which on this occasion, also sounded far bigger than the term "chamber" would imply. We heard good playing from all sections allied to a wide dynamic range and a strong sense of momentum. In the heat of the moment the very occasional lapse of ensemble and intonation did not detract from what was a truly impressive achievement.
Prior to the Rossini the choir under its resident musical director, Lydia Hind, performed a number of shorter items including a somorous account of Bruckner's Locus Iste, and a sparkling performance of Monteverdi's Beatus Vir; both of which were idiomatic and stylish, as was Tantum Ergo by Charles Guynemer Holy Cross's first director of music. Frank Ticheli's attractive motet, There will be rest, displayed a gentle contemporary idiom. Finally the choir was joined by Paul Jenkins and the orchestra for Mozart's sublime Ave Verum
Rreview by a member of the audience
Fot more detials and potographs of this event see; https://www.holycrossleicester.org/news/
June 22nd 2019, Mahler Concert Set to be my Weekend Treat
Mahler composed his greatest symphony, 'The Song of the Earth,' a couple of years before his death over 100 years ago, but this magnificent work is cogently relevant for us at this time.
How prescient is it that theKnighton Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Paul Jenkins is performing this work at Fraser Noble Hall at the University of Leicester on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019.
"The green earth everywhere blossoms in spring and grows green"- thesewords are sung by the mezzo soprano Rozanna Madylus, at the end of the work; for although Mahler knew he was dying, he had hope for mankind; as we take our farewells, we leave the earth blossoming eternally.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a rehearsal of the concert and can vouch that the orchestra is in fine fettle, with the other soloist, tenor Richard Roddis , in strong voice singing of the drunken man in spring , enjoying life while he can.
The first part of the concert is given over to Schumann's piano concerto, a fiendishly difficult piece to perform. How lucky are we to have the dexterity of Moritz Wagnere to thrill us? At the rehearsal, the first movement, a delightful lyrical allegro, was played beautifully with a wonderful dialogue between the piano and the woodwind. This movement is marked "Tender and affecting," and it certainly was. I look forward to teh concert on Saturday.
Michael Martin, Loughborough
Orchestra's concert a most moving evening
Leicester Mercury Mailbox 1-2019
The Knighton Chamber Orchestra have just done it again - given us, in their latest concert, an evening that was entertaining, instructive and, above all, moving.
Butterworth's "Banks of Green Willow," reminded us again of what was senselessly lost in the First World War.
Brahms fouth completed Paul Jenkins's symphony cycle, and the way the orchestra captured the opening's restless intensity and also gave shape and meaning to the final passacaglia convinced that this was the best of the group.
I mentioned moving earlier. If music fails to do this something is missing and the heart of this concert was Francois Salignat's performance of Ravel's piano Concerto, its opening beautifully integrated here by the woodwind, and his interpretation of the second movement was almost heart-stopping. This was Francois's seventh concert in Leicester. He must like us.
He gave us Ravel's "Jeux d'eau," as a parting gift. Make sure that was only "au revoir," Francois.
Roger Cairns, Swannington, Leicestershire.
A musical night to remember
Leicester Mercury Mailbox 7-11-2017
I recently had a most enjoyable, even adventurous, evening as a member of the audience of Concerto, presented by the Univeristy of Leicester in the Fraser Noble Hall, London Road.
It was a play with music about hte composer Maurice Ravel, especially his time in the First World War,
What made the evening special was that we didn't just watch but also took part in the production. Its devisors and actors, Ryan O'Shea and Katt Perry, arranged for us to eat apples, beat time with pencils, even shred musical scores, which gave us a feeling of dislocated engagement, as if we were in the war itself, when you never knew what would happen next.
We were constantly engaged but put on our guard at the same time, like the need in wartime to be constantly alert.
Though, unlike being in a war, our invitations to take part were gently and stylishly done by Ryan and Katt, so that our acceptance made the evening an enjoyable participation.
The actors, guided by Michael Pinchbeck's writing, gave us Ravel's biography in all its lyrical poetry of the lost.
At the play's centre was Ravel's music, especially the Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. This was magnificently played by Nicholas McCarthy, a professional one-handed player.
The University of Leicester Orchestra and Knighon Chamber Orchestra revealed hte innovation of Ravel's music, with its swirls and dwellings, advances and retreats from compositions before the war and how it embraced the jazz age afterwards.
The evening was inified by the most able conducting of Paul Jenkins, who brought the orchestra together with actors and pianist to blend the moods, at times strong and deperate, at other times playful and relaxed.
As an encore, the orchestra treated us to Bolero, a familiar climax to an otherwise experimental but satisfying evening.
This was a fine way for the Univeristy of Leicester to reachout to the city; by displaying its ambitious standards, its ability to take risks and to do so by entertaining the public
Michael Lane, Leicester.
Classics played with a sense of fun
Leicester Mercury Mailbox 12-10-2017
It was a real privilidge to attend the concert by the Knighton Chamber Orchestra on Saturday September 10, at Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester.
The hall was full-a reflection of the reputation that this orchestra has built up, unerder the capable direction of Paul Jenkins.
They started with a concertino for tuba and strings by Arthur Franckenpohl. In spite of being a composer unknown to most audiences, this turned out to be an approachable work-plenty of geniality and jokey moments with some seious-sounding stuff in the slow movement.
I last heard the second work, Peter and the Wolf, in about 1962, in South-East London, with Alvar Liddel, the wartime newscaster, who read the narration. It was sombre and accurate-but not fun.
The Knighton Chamber Orchestra's performance was alive. The orchestra playing gave real life to the musical portraits. Andrew Radford, narrating, realy drew you into the story.
The master stroke was to have a group of children acting out the story simultaneeously as the bird, the wolf, Peter, the hunters, the duck and the cat. We loved it. But the main work was yet to come.
After the interval, a young woman came forth, along with the orchestra playing the Shostakovich Violin Concerto No 1. This must be one of the heaviest and most difficult works in the violin repertoire.
The soloist, Fenella Humphreys, not only played it, but played it superbly.
I am sure that many in the audience were, like me, on the edge of their seats during the last movement, and many stood in their applause at the end.
Michael Gerard, Stoneygate.
Rising music star earns plaudits
Leicester Mercury Mailbox 14-7-2017
At a concert by Knighton Chamber Orchestra, Moritz Wagner won the plaudits of a large audience at the Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester.
This young man demonstrated great sensitivity in his performance of Mozart's well-known D minor piano conerto.
Moritz has the consummate ability to make lyrical passages memorable without over-sentimentalising them. At the same time, he relishes the bravura passage at the start of the third movement.
This is a Leicester pianist to make us proud and who will, I have no doubt, become the toast of this city should he persevere in the hard work necessary to pursue this very strenuous career.
Under the guidance of meistro Paul Jenkins and supported by the fine musicians of Knighton Chamber Orchestra, Leicester is given teh opportunity to hear fine music.
The next concert by the orchestra will be pn Saturday, September 30th, at fraser Noble Hall.
Concert suggests a bright future
Leicester Mercury Mailbox, 1-7-2016
Amid the ornate decor of the Fraser Noble Hall on Saturday evening there was a splended concert by Knighton Chamber Orchestra under the capable baton of Paul Jenkins.
The musicians started with the Overture Semiramide by Rossini in tribute to Ranieri's Italy and the triumph of Leicester City in the Premier League. This was followed by Mozart's Haffner Symphony.
Leicester has a lot more to be proud of than its football team: two youngsters who without doubt hvae fine careers ahead of them enthralled the aidience in the second half.
Tom Barton, soloist in the Chaminade Concertino for flute, performaed with great delicacy and verve.
The highlight of the evening was a tour de force by the prodigiously talented Moritz Wagner, who conjured up a gamut of emotions as the soloist in the Shostakovitch Piano Concerto Number 2. The orchestra and pianist worked in blissful harmony to create a truely memorable interpretation of this lovely piece of music. Leicester is assured a bright future if hte talent that wa on display here continues to thrive.
Leicester Mercury, Letters Page, Mercury Mailbox,
1-2-2016
A Vertiable Musical Feast
A
CONCERT was given by the Knighton Chamber Orchestra in the Fraser Noble Hall,
Leicester on Saturday January 23rd, 2016.
It
was a full hall for a musical feast-from The Gladiators to Beethoven, with not
just one but two , Prokofiev concertos.
The
brass were splendidly brazen for The Entrance of the Gladiators, by Fucik and
had wonderful moments in Beethoven's 8th Symphony sa well as the two concertos
by Prokofiev.
Fine
woodwind playing, especially from the principal bassoon was complimented by
skiful horn-playing in the Prokofiev piano concerto.
The
highlight of the evening was undoubtedly teh 3rd Prokofiev piano
concerto. Conductor Paul Jenkins and the Knighton Chamber Orchestra must
have worked very hard with the intricate orchestration which partnered
Francois Salignat's amazing, tender, brilliant and virtuosic piano
playing.
Earlier,
Anne Mee, leader of the orchestra's cello section, performed the Prokofiev cello
concertino.
It
was a veritable musical treat, concluding with and encore; Anne Mee played the
delightful Faure Siciliano, sinsitively accompanied by M
Salignat.
David
and Sarah Clark, Leicester.
Leicester Mercury, Letters page, 15-10-2015
Production hit high note.
I
write as a member of the audience who saw Knighton Opera's production of Eugene
Onegin (October, 1, 2 and 4th at the Fraser Noble Hall). The orchestra,
chorus and soloists performed with relish. There was forceful and
committed playing from the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, unforced merriment from
the chorus, and the principal singers sustained the drama of Tchaikovsky's
music.
Chris
Marlow's Onegin was imbued with haughty charisma; Alexander Anderson-Hall
aroused sympathy as the man whose life was spinning out of control, and Michelle
Carlin's passionate singing convinced us that, although a man's name forms the
title, the music tells us that this is Tatiana's opera.
The
dancers added splendour. There were many subtlties in the imaginative
production, including delivery of the letter and the duel.
The
best way of thanking Paul Jenkins and his fellow performers is to quote
from the orchestra's President , VladimirAshkenazy: "The British tradition
of community music making is unique; it contributes in so small way to keeping
music alive in this country."
Richard
Gill , Leicester
Leicester Mercury, Letters page,
14-10-2014
Hard work pays off to produce a wonderful
Carmen
A
Feast
of colour, melody and movement might be the best way to characterise an
ambitious production of Bizet’s Carmen performed by Knighton Opera conducted by
Paul Jenkins and directed by James Ward at the Richard Attenborough Centre on
October 3rd, 2014.
I
attended the second performance of this triple-run. The limited space of the RAC was used
imaginatively by performing in the round.
Don
Jose, sung by tenor Alexander Anderson-Hall, passionately handled Bizet’s
demands. Carmen (mezzo-soprano
Nicky Bingham) had an impressive stage presence: she not only had to sing
beautifully, but act and dance the “seguidilla” (with castanets!), which she
executed with seductive delight.
Michaela (soprano Michelle Carlin) sang with ravishing clarity and
style.
Escamillo
(Chris Marlow) dominated his scenes with fiery sexuality accomplished well by
his ringing baritone. Stephen
Foster’s sonorous bass was excellently cast as the commanding officer. There were many other smaller parts, all
performed with vivacity and skill, and the chorus members sang
zestily.
The
production managed to make the very best use of the open space and the gallery;
and using the barest minimum of props and different costumes, we in the audience
were easily able to follow the plot.
A huge amount of work must have gone into achieving this most popular of
operas - and it was well worth it.
David
H.Clark, Leicester
Full Reviews (Published in Leicester Mercury)
Orchestra date was wonderful
Review by Michael Hughes, 1st Februrary 2014
What a pity a lot of Leicester missed a wonderful concert at Embrace Arts at the Richard Attenborough Center.
There is so much music going on in Leicester that sparse audience on Friday night was depleted, no doubt, by attendances at other venues.
But they missed a treat. Paul Jenkins, as usual, coaxed an excellent performance out of Knighton Chamber Orchestra (KCO) in a concert which included Leonore 3, Beethoven's third attempt out of four to write an overture to Fidelio, and Bach's Flute Suite No 2, the one that contains the famous Badinerie.
The jewel in the crown was the final piece, Brahms's 2nd Piano Concerto, played by international concert pianist Francois Salignat.
His playing was majestic, absorbing and scintillating. It was a pity about the piano - it was not equal to his talent.
The KCO are next at the Fraser Nobel Hall on March 29. Don't Miss them.You will not be disappointed.
A Great Night Out in Leicester
Review by Dr Sally Hind, 19th January 2013
"Well done Leicester! Or more precisely, well done Knighton Chamber Orchestra's director, Paul Jenkins for giving us a wonderful two-part evening's entertainment on Saturday 19 January 2013 in the Richard Attenborough Centre. What an exciting innovation to (1) show Le Concert; a French film based on the Phoenix-like return to maestro status of a former Russian world famous orchestral conductor. His fantastic career was publicly broken during a performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto for defending Jewish musicians. And (2) to follow this most entertaining film with an amazing concert, culminating in a stunning performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.
Such a seemingly good idea could have so miserably failed, given that much of the concerto had been performed at a very high professional level during the film. But, of course, Paul was not to let such a possibility happen. Firstly, he organised the programme to start with two Mozart pieces: the Overture to The Marriage of Figaro and his Symphony No 40 in G Minor K550 and thus swept our thoughts away from Tchaikovsky and secondly and goodness knows how he arranged for the exceptionally gifted and internationally renowned violinist, Tamsin Waley-Cohen to take the lead role. Her rendition was superbly dramatic and yet so emotionally open and enveloping that it was as if the audience had become one sentient entity we were truly transfixed. Of course, even with Tamsin's performance, the evening would not have gone well if the orchestra had not also been up to the mark. As ever, KCO's performance did not let their guest performer, or the audience down. We are very lucky to have such amateur musicians in our county and I think it behoves us to publicly recognise the pleasure they afford us. Thank you KCO for such a great night out!"
A first for ambitious orchestra
Review by Peter Collett, 5th March 2012
"A first for the Knighton Chamber Orchestra - a performance of music by Shostakovich; in this case his Cello Concerto No. 1.
Conductor Paul Jenkins introduced the piece with a demonstration of some of the textures used by the composer. The sound of the orchestra in this often tormented work had a particularly spatial and effective quality, the tonality of the piece and effective layout of the musicians contributing significantly.
Local cello soloist Anne Mee gave a good account of the piece, injecting energy and passion into her fine performance of a technically demanding part.
Young international pianist Francois Salignat was the soloist in Mozart's piano concerto No 20 in D minor, giving a performance full of poise and dignity. The piece shares the drama of the Shostakovich, but in a more palatable and polite way. It was a performance full of energy and warmth, which really enveloped the listener.
To round off the first half two soloists joined forces in a beautiful rendition of The Swan by Saint-Saens. Perhaps the most joyful drama of the evening was left to Beethoven. His Symphony No. 4 in B flat major presents a series of melodic themes.
Played with enthusiasm and skill, I particularly liked the Adagio with its light and airy tonality and the final Allegro which had a particularly happy feel.
An evening of fine music from this ambitious local orchestra."
Five star performance
Review by Malcolm Warner, 23th February 2011
"When Danish composer Carl Nielson essayed writing a concerto each for the members of Copenhagen Wind Quintet, he set out to delineate the characters not just of the instrument but of the instrumentalist. In the event he was to produce only two concertos of the five for clarinet and the work that opened this concert, for flute concerto. Here a bass trombone disports itself, mocking the flute. Dana Morgan relished each turn of phrase and mood in the demanding flute solo.
Next Francois Salignat gave a commanding reading of the solo part in Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto, more than equal to the bravura of this well-loved work.
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is probably played less than it once was. Yet it is a revolutionary work, the composer incorporating instruments one then did not use in a symphony. This was an excellent performance of the work, less overwhelming than some, and the warmth of the hall acoustic showed off the contribution of the double bassoon to greater effect than that of the piccolo."
Mahler gets a welcome outing
Review by Malcolm Warner, 6th July 2010
"With his present great popularity and the current centenary of his death, it might be supposed that there would be much Mahler in coming concert programmes.
However, this has not been the case. So it was pleasant to hear some of his less frequently played works in this varied concert by Knighton Chamber Orchestra under Paul Jenkins.
Eight of his settings of the German folk poems Des Knaben Wunderhorn were fetchingly sung by soprano Nicola Bingham and baritone Harvey Nightingale. With a chamber orchestra the balance seemed richer and the varied colours of Mahler's orchestration were evident. Anyone familiar with Mahler's earlier symphonies will recognise some of these songs, which suffuse them.
Robert Schumann had his bicentenary last month and it was a welcome treat to hear his Konzertstuck for Four Horns and Orchestra, another rarity. The four horns of Bardi Orchestra played the solo parts, in which Schumann contrasts them with a large orchestra. Again, the chamber dimensions and the warm acoustic handled the contrasts well , though the intimate location produced some unusual if not displeasing-balances because of the depth of the orchestral layout.
Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Mozart's Prague Symphony completed the concert in fine performances, which tended towards a warm bottom-rich balance rather than brightness, the woodwind well to the fore against the strings."
Sparkling Night with the Knighton
Review by Neil Crutchley, 2nd March 2010
"Paul Jenkins thinks carefully about the works he performs, as was evident in this concert, comprising two contrasting concertos and a much-loved symphony. Each work had shape and a sense of direction, feeling that from first bar to last, the conductor had a distinct concept in mind.
Malcolm Arnold's Flute Concerto No.2 has an unusual layout with two moderately paced outer movements flanking a central scherzo. Both Jenkins and the accomplished and perceptive soloist , Jo Conquest, captured the essential melancholy and tension of the piece, whilst giving full reign to the characteristic flashes of wit and optimism, especially in the finale.
Although the Arnold produced the best playing of the evening, Haydn's Trumpet Concerto had tremendous spirit and vigour. Julie Bassett brought a sparkle to the solo part, matched by the alert and enthusiastic accompaniment.
After an illuminating introduction by Richard Gill, the orchestra launched into a performance of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony that unfolded with a natural sense of pace and phrase. The first movement's long crescendo was impeccably graded; the peasants danced with vigour and the storm section was vivid and dynamic. Just occasionally however, I felt the conductor could have relaxed his steadfast beat a little to allow the players a touch more expressive freedom. But this was a small quibble in what was undoubtedly an impressive achievement."
Glorious performance by musicians
Review by Peter Collett, 11th December 2009
"DRAMA and gentleness characterise the opening of Saint-Saens Concerto No.1 in A minor for Cello and Orchestra. Cello soloist Andrew Bound gave an exquisite performance; the cello sang with emotion, every phrase full of gentle drive and feeling.
The piece wouldn't be complete without the support of a good orchestra -their punctuation was superb, their performance well regulated, fitting perfectly with the soloist. The final exciting bars of the piece were a wonderful culmination of a glorious performance by orchestra and soloist.
The dramatic opening bars of Mendelssohn's Concerto No.1 in G minor for piano and orchestra indicated this quality performance would continue and so it did. Piano soloist Samantha Ward gave a performance full of the emotional power that the piece deserves, while the orchestra played with vigour and drive. The gentle Andante was wonderfully interpreted, providing relaxation from the excitement of the outer movements.
Mendelssohn's Symphony No.4 in A Major concluded the concert. Rooted in its Italian themes, it contrasted with the overt drama of the piano concerto. With the exception of just a few sour moments this was a highly effective performance which danced along and highlighted the many beautiful melodies. The Allegro Vivace and the final Presto were given particularly fine treatment.
The Knighton seem to reach new heights of performance with every concert and are well deserving of the quality soloists which they accompany."
Spellbound by dazzling music
Review by Neil Crutchley, Leicester Mercury, 31th October 2009
"It hasn't taken long for the Knighton Chamber Orchestra to earn a reputation for fine performances and this concert was yet another example of why such esteem is so well deserved. With three excellent soloists, an imaginative programme and a truly impressive standard of playing and interpretation, it was an evening to remember.
We began with Mozart's Violin Concerto No.4, with Shlomy Dobrinsky as soloist, in a performance that had a captivating blend of vitality and elegance. Dobrinsky produced, poised, sure-toned, playing that was equally effective in the bravura passages and intricate cadenzas of the outer movements as it was in the lyrical central Andante. Conductor Paul Jenkins was a sympathetic accompanist, drawing superbly balanced, rhythmically crisp, playing from the orchestra."
Britten's haunting Serenade for tenor, horn and strings was given a remarkably compelling performance. Tenor Richard Roddis sang with impeccable diction and an instinctive feeling for the words. This, along with Mark Penny's admirably expressive horn playing and the conductor's musical insight, meticulous preparation and sure sense of style, kept us on the edge of our seats - spellbound by the composer's dazzling musical imagination.
In Haydn's Oxford Symphony (introduced, like the Britten, in succinct and telling fashion by Richard Gill), Paul Jenkins produced a revealing and robust account that brought the notes leaping off the page. It was an effervescent reading that also showed just how much Beethoven owed to Haydn in its infectious combination of rhythmic vitality, humour and sensitivity.
Beauty's more than a legal matter
Review by Peter Collett, 7th July 2009
"A jewish legal rite perhaps wouldn't immediately be associated with a classical musical concert, but that is what Max Bruch's Kol Nidre is all about. Written for cello and orchestra, the piece may have a sombre feel, but is full of beauty; the melodious cello part, the swirl of the orchestra and the glissandi of the harp combine into a gentle and attractive piece. The performance communicated the melancholy and beauty of the work, with a rich cello solo from Ann Mee.
Rodrigo's Fantasia Para un Gentilhombre introduced guitar soloist Yvonne Bloor who communicated well the Spanish origins of the piece. The opening Villano y Ricercare had a light initial feel, but could have benefited from more movement in its later stages.The second movement was beautifully lyrical, while the Axe Dance was rhythmic with a wonderfully restrained trumpet part.
The Knighton Chamber and the music of Beethoven seem to work particularly well together. The Symphony No.3 in E flat Eroica had vibrancy, drama and intensity, flowing at a lively pace, and bringing the players into a cohesive force. The mental struggle of the composer, the anguish and the joy shone through in clear rhythms and melodies, dark harmonies and dramatic phrasing. There was a wonderful dialogue between woodwind and strings, shining brass and stunning percussion. It all combined to make this piece the highlight of the evening."
Adventurous choices and an agile performance
Review by Neil Crutchley, 5th May 2009
"MANY of our local musical groups show an admirably adventurous approach to programme planning, giving Leicester audiences the opportunity to enjoy attractive and unusual works that rarely get an airing. On this occasion, with the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, the rarity was the Symphony for Wind Instruments written in 1944 by the 80- year-old Richard Strauss and sub-titled The Happy Workshop. It is one of a number of glowing, richly-scored works from the composer's last years. This 45-minute, four movement symphony is opulent and intricate with an abundance of attractively lyrical themes. It repays careful listening and requires stamina on the part of the players, who, in this impressive account, rose splendidly to the occasion.
Conductor Paul Jenkins had prepared meticulously and produced a well-balanced, integrated sound in his flowing, rhythmically agile performance.
After the interval, Dvorak's Serenade for Wind, (with cello and double bass) provided the ideal dessert to the rich main course of the Strauss. With its appealing rustic charm and expressive beauty, the work is a model of balance and clarity. Jenkins and his orchestra revelled in the delightful melodies, producing a stylish, vivacious and affectionately phrased performance.
The concert began with a song composed by Richard Strauss at the age of fourteen. Entitled The Alpenhorn, it was given a heartfelt performance by Rhiannon Jenkins (voice), Janet Edwards (piano) and Roger Swann (horn)."
'Emperor' rules concert
Review by Peter Collett, 10th March 2009
"AN ALL-BEETHOVEN concert began with the impact of the mighty Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat major. Known as the Emperor, piano and orchestra seem to compete throughout the piece this performance, while fool blooded, managed to keep a sense of balance. Pianist Samantha Ward gave a stunning performance full of clarity and emotion. Overall, this was a performance with impact, presence and excitement; conveying well Beethoven's dramatic composition.
Like the piano concerto, Symphony No.7 in A major also has plenty of drama. Both works also have their gentle movements, so the level of drama didn't create a crisis. The opening movement had a sense of drive and excitement, while the dark romanticism of the Allegretto was beautifully conveyed. The lively final Allegro was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the performance.
This was without doubt one of the best concerts I have heard the Knighton Chamber Orchestra give."
Lively, joyful performance
Review by Peter Collett, 15th July 2008
"MOZART'S Concerto for two pianos in E flat major was written for the composer and his sister to play. So pianists Tor Bridge and Marguerite Beatson were stepping into illustrious shoes. They gave well- balanced , credible performances, while the overall effect was polished joy and exuberance.
A lively and beautifully phrased Adagio Molto, with clear antiphony, opened Beethoven's Symphony No.2 in D major. The Adagio led to a simply sublime Larghetto with its wonderful variations. A lively Scherzo and an Allegro Molto concluded the symphony.
The concert concluded with a performance of William Walton's Facade-An Entertainment. Poems by Edith Sitwell ,read by Lydia Hind and Roger Scoppie, punctuated an entertaining collection of dances, including hornpipe, tango and fox-trot.
Saxophone and drums were added to the orchestra for a piece in which balancing voices and orchestra is the key to success.
The Knighton Chamber Orchestra excelled themselves."
© franklarocca.com
American composer's work given a premier
Preview in Leicester Mercury, 2nd November 2007
"AN AMERICAN composer is coming to Leicester to attend a premier of his music. Californian Frank la Rocca will be present at the European premier of his work Veni Sancte Spiritus, performed by Leicester musicians Tessa Greenhalgh ,soprano, Robert Calow, clarinet, and Knighton Chamber Orchestra.
The work will be performed at the University of Leicester's Fraser Noble Hall on Wednesday December 5th. Paul Jenkins, who will be conducting, said Veni Sancte Spiritus is known as the Golden Sequence from the Mass of Pentecost, in which Christians celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, 50 days after the resurrection of Christ. The music is very dreamlike and contemplative - quite the opposite of what we expect new music to be like. I think the Leicester audience will enjoy this opportunity to hear a work for the first time in Europe in the presence of one of America's leading composers."
The programme will also include Mozart's Linz Symphony, The Lark Ascending, by Vaughan Williams with Leicester violinist Karen Silverwood, and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.3 with pianist Francois Salignat, from London.
A student of music at Yale and Berkeley universities, la Rocca is now professor of music and chairman of the department at the East Bay campus of State University of California.
An unusually close encounter, with much joyful energy
Review by Peter Collett, 17th March 2007
"Knowing that the Richard Attenborough Centre does not have the most spacious dimensions, I was a little concerned as to how a chamber orchestra and an audience would squeeze in, never mind how the orchestra might sound. I need not have worried. True, the orchestra were close, indeed, so close that I could read the notes on the first violin's score, but the sound was wonderful.
Not only was there a good blend, but the closeness brought a new clarity and dimension to the individual parts. Like a good studio recording, first the horns would come from the left, then the cello from the right, bass from the middle and so on. This was an exhilarating involvement which doesn't happen when an orchestra is placed at the opposite end of a hall.
In Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.4, the solo flutes sang delightfully, the violin embellished emphatically, while the orchestra and harpsichord provided a fine underlay to this wonderful carpet of sound.
Mozart's Concerto for Bassoon in B flat major was joyful. A controlled performance by bassoon soloist Ceri Gough was nicely balanced by the orchestral accompaniment.
This performance of Symphony No.1 in C major was one of the finest I have heard by the Knighton Chamber Orchestra. It was exuberant, flowing and full of joyful energy."
Bold Statements and refined tones
Review by Peter Collett, 11th July 2006
"The final concert of the orchestra's third season began with Mozart's Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments. Expertly performed by Roger Scoppie, a spoken introduction taken from Peter Shaffer's play Amadeus highlighted, with orchestral accompaniment, some of the musical detail from the Adagio. Seven movements of delicate interweaving and bold statement of themes followed. Many of the instruments had their own moment, fine performances by clarinet and oboe being particularly noteworthy.
In Mozart's motet Exsultate Jubilate the heavens made music with soprano soloist Sandra Roberts, her refined tones blending well with the ensemble in this concerto-like piece with its joyful concluding allegro Alleluja.
Tchaikovsky idolized Mozart and his music, so it was appropriate that his Serenade for Strings sat next to two pieces composed by his idol. This was, overall, a well controlled, but spirited performance of this elegantly romantic sounding serenade.
The intimate setting of the University of Leicester's Fraser Noble Hall for this concert added to the atmosphere. A nicely thought-out programme, a congenial setting and good programme notes added to a good performance. I look forward to hearing more from this developing orchestra in the future."
An evening of grace and joy
Review by Peter Collett, 12th May 2006
"The concert began, appropriately, with an overture, this one being Rossini's Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers. The version heard used trombone and percussion to give the piece a flavour of North Africa.
The Allegro in Beethoven's Triple Concerto in C major opens in dark mode, breaking into romantic harmonies .The entry of soloists Karen Silverwood (violin) Rachael Calverley (cello) and Tor Bridge (piano) brought an immediate warmth to the piece. The soloists were clearly enjoying this performance. For Tor Bridge , it was the achievement of a lifetime ambition.
The Mozart Symphony No.41 in C major, better known as the Jupiter, has so much to enjoy throughout. The easiest to enjoy was the Menuetto and Trio Allegretto, its graceful dance bringing to mind images of a ballroom of 1778 full of wigs, powder and elegant dancing.
A small audience was treated to a fine evening's music."
Romantic era brings out best in orchestra
Review by Joyce Parkin, 8th February 2005
"As part of the Music at the University of Leicester series of concerts, the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Paul Jenkins, gave us a melodious programme.
It included two works from the Classical era , Mozart and Haydn , and one from the Romantic era, namely Schubert.
Mozart's Symphony No 25 in G minor began the programme. This was one of only two symphonies that Mozart wrote in a minor key and shows his more mature writing, with deeper emotions coming through. I felt that in this performance there was a certain staidness, lacking vivacity, but it was never the less enjoyable.
Rachael Calverley was the soloist in Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major. This manuscript had been lost until 1961 but is a work which needs to be heard. There is an elegance in the piece and Rachael Calverley gave us an excellent account, showing the rich tone of her instrument, the control of the Adagio and the dexterity required for the Allegro Molto.
The orchestra came to the fore with Schubert's beautiful Symphony No 5 in B flat major. Schubert's romantic inimitable style is instantly recognizable and the lyricism, melody and orchestration carried through. The orchestra enjoyed this work.
All in all, this proved to be an intimate, pleasant evening."