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The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the year presented a program of popular classics, designed for comfort and familiarity, as audiences begin to return to live music after the uncertainty, challenges and disappointments of the two last years. With the return of conductor Mark Shiell to the orchestra, the performance was precise, enthusiastic and emphasized the pure enjoyment of the music. Last Sunday, the large audience at the Wendouree Center for Performing Arts was completely entertained by music mainly from 19th century Europe. Two sparkling movements from Bizet’s “Carmen” suite contrasted perfectly with Grieg’s “Morning Mood”, from his incidental music for the play Peer Gynt. There was a dramatic rendition of Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides” Overture, while Johann Strauss’ “Blue Danube” waltz maintained its popular appeal. Elgar’s first and fourth marches “Pomp and Circumstance” brought a real sense of occasion while Rimsky-Korsakoff’s “Dance of the Tumblers” provided a lighthearted finale. After discussion with the members of the orchestra during the final rehearsal, it was decided to replace Russian composer Glinka’s patriotic overture “Life for the Tsar” with the Ukrainian national anthem, a decision which was very well received by the public. IN THE NEWS The importance and power of music, experienced for example not so long ago with the solo cellist performing on the streets of Sarajevo during the Bosnian-Serbian crisis, highlights the central role that plays music in the human condition, especially in uplifting the human spirit. If you see this message, you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we have made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing us to continue to tell the story of Ballarat. We appreciate your support for journalism in our great city.

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The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the year presented a program of popular classics, designed for comfort and familiarity, as audiences begin to return to live music after the uncertainty, challenges and disappointments of the two last years. With the return of conductor Mark Shiell to the orchestra, the performance was precise, enthusiastic and emphasized the pure enjoyment of the music. Last Sunday, the large audience at the Wendouree Center for Performing Arts was completely entertained by music mainly from 19th century Europe.

Mark Shiell returned to the BSO

Two sparkling movements from Bizet’s “Carmen” suite contrasted perfectly with Grieg’s “Morning Mood”, from his incidental music for the play Peer Gynt. There was a dramatic rendition of Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides” Overture, while Johann Strauss’ “Blue Danube” waltz maintained its popular appeal. Elgar’s first and fourth marches “Pomp and Circumstance” brought a real sense of occasion while Rimsky-Korsakoff’s “Dance of the Tumblers” provided a lighthearted finale.

The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra in action

After discussion with the members of the orchestra during the final rehearsal, it was decided to replace Russian composer Glinka’s patriotic overture “Life for the Tsar” with the Ukrainian national anthem, a decision which was very well received by the public.

The importance and power of music, experienced for example not so long ago with the solo cellist performing on the streets of Sarajevo during the Bosnia-Serbia crisis, highlights the central role that music plays in the human condition, especially in the upliftment of the human spirit.

If you see this message, you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we have made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing us to continue to tell Ballarat’s story. We appreciate your support for journalism in our great city.