Jo Turbitt reviews 'an outstanding concert'.
Imagine a concert that guaranteed gorgeous symphonies, a world-class orchestra, solo artist and conductor. Now imagine that all this bowls you over and knocks you for six because it’s quite frankly awesome.
The Oslo Philharmonic have a deftly skill-set of dynamics: they deliver rousing, full-bodied orchestrations and then slip immediately into intimate harrowing work, each section of each piece burst with colour which sweeps through the room.
Vasily Petrenko dances with his musicians, physically responding to and echoing the music, fully investing in the whole experience. Nicola Benedetti brings the violin to life with depth, honesty and passion. Making one instrument sound like seven, Benedetti’s talent oozes not only in her playing, but also in how she is immersed completely in the moment, physically echoing the work as a contemporary dancer would. It’s not often that the orchestra, the conductor and the soloist all compliment, support and resonate enjoyment in what they’re playing together, but tonight’s concert is evidence that those ephemeral ultimate concerts exist.
An outstanding concert, the goose bumps kind.
Oslo Philharmonic with Nicola Benedetti, conducted by Vasily Petrenko, performed at Usher Hall on Sunday 16th August and was part of this year's Edinburgh International Festival.
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