We have become accustomed to a member of the Orchestra giving a few words of welcome and introduction. Tonight it was the turn of erudite Asher Zaccardelli from his assistant principal viola desk. Two short learning experience works, by Joëlle Broad and Keith Ramsey, played, along with the adult Orchestra, by almost 40 youngsters from Big Noise Wester Hailes opened the concert. Those youngsters in front of conductor Parick Hahn were younger than expected, dressed as they were in yellow or red tops. It was a thrilling start.
Patrick Hahn went off stage, only to return - but to the piano and wearing white shoes. On to the rostrum jumped Frank Dupree to conduct George Antheil's A Jazz Symphony. We heard the 1955 version, for the original from 1927 was cut to size for a concert like ours. It was a good introduction to one of George Gershwin's great works, his Piano Concerto in F.
Patrick Hahn came back on stage, sat on the floor and took off his white shoes - giving them to Frank Dupree to wear, now at the piano. Joining them were two highly talented jazz musicians, Jakob Krupp on double bass, and Obi Jenne on percusssion. The Gershwin Concerto we heard was an arrangement for this Jazz Trio by Frank Dupree. The applause it received allowed us to be treated to a fine Dupree/Krupp/Jenne encore which was also considerable fun.
Earlier in the Upper Circle Bar the pre-concert talk was hosted by eminent and principal flute, Katherine Bryan, who was to have a leading part in the evening's music. Initially accompanied by a lively Frank Dupree, the two of them gave a fascinating insight into what was coming. Patrick Hahn joined them and the interplay between Dupree and Hahn showed the respect they had for one another - having worked together in the past. Katherine Bryan's playing of her flute added to the talk's interest.
After the interval we moved from exuberant jazz to Rachmaninov's Third Symphony - mellow, sad but defiant. The composer has left his native Russia in 1917 never to return, to his very great regret. He wrote this Symphony in 1936 and it was first performed in Philadelphia, USA. We listened out for Katherine Bryan's flute. In three movements, the ending Allegro is defiant and hopeful. Patrick Hahn had earlier commented that jazz is easier to conduct because the drums create the beat; conducting a symphony like Rachmaninov's is far more demanding for the conductor. He showed us he knows what he is doing - a particularly entertaining evening.
Event: Friday 21st November 2025 at 7.30pm