On 14th April, the National Youth orchestra graced the royal festival hall at the southbank centre with two pieces with huge contrast in repertoire. Their first piece, collaborating with the National youth brass band was by Gavin Higgins; Concerto grosso for brass band and orchestra. Secondly was the renowned composer Prokofiev’s 5th Symphony, with British-Australian conductor Jessica Cottis. 

 

The concert started with a small violin ensemble playing from the choir stands at the back of the stage. It was an enjoyable listen with a recurring tune which anticipated the mood for an exciting concert. As the lights dimmed, the whole of the National youth orchestra and National youth brass band made their way onto the stage, forming an immense group of musicians of more than 200. The national brass band took centre stage while the NYO surrounded them and the impressive set up did not fail to deliver a great performance of Higgins. It started with an atmospheric timbre of sounds which could be interpreted as eerie but it created an ambience in the concert hall which put the audience on the edge of their seat. The brass instrument’s solo’s could not be glossed over as the virtuosic phrases of their melody was undoubtedly impressive, both in skill and quality featuring solos from cornets, trumpets, tubas and more, which interwoven throughout the continuous waves and swells of sound from the rest of the orchestra. The ending included a great use of brass sounds and percussion, combining so many different sonorities which contributed to a magnificent flourish for the finish. Gavin Higgins himself came down from the audience to commend each soloist and the leader for the outstanding performance that was given.

 

After the interval was Prokofiev’s 5th Symphony, a more well known tune with the National Youth Orchestra. The juxtaposition from a modern 21st century sound to a very avante garde almost romantic sound by Prokofiev. The first movement was majestically played and set the tone for 3 more movements. My favourite was definitely the 4th movement: Allegro Giocoso which was a tonally interesting mix of sounds and tunes. The Eb clarinet solo was really enjoyable to listen to and the final few moments especially seeing the violins all move in unison and the final quartet’s whimsical melodies made it overall a very exciting listen for this symphony.

 

Especially with many of my friends being within the orchestra, it was a very worthwhile concert to attend. Especially as the musical works were played by people my age or younger, it was very inspiring to watch and listen to the passion of such young players. Every NYO concert has free tickets for those under 19 years old, therefore I recommend attending one of the concerts if interested in classical music.