The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra (BSO) once again captivated audiences this season, performing to a near-capacity crowd at Bedford’s Corn Exchange on Saturday, 15 February.
From the very start, the concert delivered something truly special. With the lights dimmed, stunning paintings were projected onto the back wall as the orchestra performed Lyadov’s The Enchanted Lake, creating a spellbinding atmosphere that held the audience transfixed.
This visual and musical feast was part of a unique artistic collaboration with Bedford Greenacre Independent School.
Year 6 pupils had drawn inspiration from Lyadov’s music and the artists they were studying to create their own artworks, which added an enchanting layer to the evening’s performance.
It was the perfect prelude to a night filled with emotional, exciting, and passionate music.
Audience member Ian Smith said: “The BSO were on great form last night. The programme allowed the listener’s imagination to range over many different scenes and emotions which the orchestra portrayed superbly well.
“From the dark, brooding of the Lyadov Enchanted Lake through the highly emotionally charged Britten Violin Concerto to the fantastic pictorial description of Finland in Sibelius’ masterpiece Symphony no. 2.
“The variety of tone quality, the dynamic range and the ensemble playing were a delight to hear. The orchestra’s accompanying of the magnificent solo violin playing of Charlie Lovell-Jones was as good as any professional orchestra.”
Violin soloist Charlie Lovell-Jones, already a rising star in the classical world, demonstrated why his burgeoning international career is so well-deserved.
His performance on Saturday was nothing short of breathtaking, with every note delivered with intense emotion and precision.
During rehearsals, Charlie shared his vision for Britten’s Violin Concerto, and the synergy created under the baton of Cathal Garvey was unmistakable.
The interval brought a special treat for the younger members of the audience, including eight young BSO string players.
They enjoyed a “meet and greet” with Charlie at the front of the stage, where he offered invaluable advice on practising and navigating the professional music world.
With warmth and encouragement, he even treated them to an impromptu extract from a Sibelius concerto, leaving listeners of all ages truly inspired.
The Beds Orchestral Society continued its innovative initiative of offering 50 complimentary tickets for this concert to young people under 18, with all tickets snapped up.
It was heartening to see so many young faces in the audience, reinforcing the Society’s mission to promote music education.
In addition, the presence of eight young musicians in the orchestra and the involvement of the North Beds Youth Chamber Orchestra (NBYCO) members in front-of-house roles all underscored the thriving state of classical music for young people in Bedford.
Rebekah Howe, another audience member, praised the performance, saying: “The final work, Symphony No. 2 by Sibelius, was beautifully and sympathetically performed by BSO. A truly wonderful sound that filled the Corn Exchange.
“How fortunate Bedford is to have such talented and dedicated musicians. A treat for all those in the audience.”
Looking ahead, the Beds Orchestral Society will present two more concerts in May. Bedford Sinfonia will perform on 3rd May at St Paul’s Church, and BSO will return to the Bedford Corn Exchange on 24th May for their final concert of the season.
With both concerts expected to sell out, early booking is recommended at the BSO website here.
by Ann Collins
