Saturday 28th. March 2020 at 7.30 p.m.

Sidmouth Parish Church

THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

A special Spring Concert

Isca Ensemble

JOO YEON SIR - violin

This renowned violinist makes a very welcome return to

Sidmouth to perform the exquisite Violin Concerto by Elgar.

Elgar : Violin Concerto in B minor Op 61

Alfie Pugh : 'The Treasure Map'

A newly commissioned work

Rachmaninov : Vocalise for orchestra Op. 34

Marquez : Danzón No 2

Recent concert review

ISCA ENSEMBLE AT ST. DAVID’S CHURCH, EXETER

SATURDAY 7th. MARCH 2020.

For its latest appearance the Isca Ensemble chose a different venue from its more usual one at Sidmouth Parish Church. Although playing in larger surroundings, it reduced its numbers to that of a chamber orchestra when it played at Exeter’s St. David’s Church on Saturday. Furthermore, there was a choice of programme to match, with a number of Baroque pieces and Pergolesi’s sensationally successful Stabat Mater in its twelve numbers.

Under Roger Hendy’s able direction the orchestra showed itself to be just as much at home as in the larger symphonic repertoire. It was the Double Flute Concerto in G minor, by Johann Quantz that opened the programme. He was well-known as a flautist in the eighteenth century and ended up in the employment of the musical Frederick II, King of Prussia. Robert Stephenson and Sophie Brewer stepped from the orchestra to take the solo parts. And this they did admirably, providing a beautifully balanced duo, with some charmingly nuanced phrasing, in their bright, incisive interpretation, while the orchestra provided well- judged support.

For a couple of Bach arias Isca brought in a two of fine young sopranos with experience in both the operatic and oratorio world. Chloé Stratta chose as her contribution. Blute nur, du liebes Herz! (Bleed out you loving heart!)  from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. This well-known aria was sung with the requiste depth of feeling, and the orchestra provided a perfect foil. It was the turn of Anna Marie McLachlan to sing the second Bach aria. From the Ascension Oratorio, it is essentially a trio sonata, with the voice and unison violins taking the two melody parts, supported by the continuo. This difficult form was nicely handled by singer and orchestra under Roger Hendy’s capable helm.

Joe Sharp, again showing the quality of the orchestra’s members, undertook the solo part of the popular D minor Oboe Concerto by Alessandro Marcello, and it was given a stunning delivery with playing of real confidence and panache.

It was the turn of the two ladies to face the limelight for the Pergolesi Stabat Mater, one of the greatest works ever written in praise of Mary who stood at the foot of the Cross during her son’s agony.  And all this, by a young composer who died at 26. The two worked together perfectly with the Ensemble, bringing the poignant inner parts of the work well to the fore. 

All in all, this was a delightful professionally presented concert with quality playing and singing throughout.

© John Dalton – March 2020