Simon Callaghan

Reviews

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Rachmaninov 3, SPO)

“Creative flair of Philharmonic”

October 19, 2009

Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, Huddersfield Town Hall

BENJAMIN Ellin began his second season as conductor with an excellent programme of German and Russian music. Not only does he lead with flair on the podium, his choice of programme titles is imaginative and his 5 Little Bites of information on each composer shows communication begins before and continues after the performance.

The orchestra is flourishing under Ellin and leader Peter Simons. The opening of Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage depicted the majesty of the ocean in the strings with the orchestra painting an expressive picture.

The highlight was Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto number 3 in D minor. Soloist Simon Callaghan was superb and the audience adored his characterful playing of this difficult masterpiece. The relationship between Callaghan, Ellin and the orchestra was organic, with the thematic ideas shared with ease and precision.

Naturally the cadenzas gave Callaghan the space to show his immense keyboard dexterity.  Medtner’s Skazka crowned a magnificent performance.

Brahms’ symphony number 3 in F major brought out new and interesting colours – the cellos played beautifully in the famous third movement and the ensemble responded well to Ellin’s leadership in the finale.

I feel able to challenge the orchestra to tighten discipline, especially in regard to tuning and placement of notes.

David Heathcote