1995

Michael Lloyd has been conductor of the Chandos for the past seven years; during that period this orchestra has been transformed under his guidance into one of the most proficient amateur groups in the Midlands, capable of tackling a large number of the biggest works in the repertory with considerable success. So it was no surprise that the programme for last Sunday's concert in the Elgar Hall consisted of Elgar's large-scale — and difficult — Symphony in A flat, the Violin Concerto of Sibelius and an overture by Verdi, all of them calling for the most demanding of musical skills.

Verdi's La Forza del Destino overture is rousing stuff to make a start with, and the crisp, well disciplined performance would have done credit to many professionals. Gonzalo Acosta, co-leader of the English National Opera Orchestra, was the soloist in a delightful Sibelius musical, confident and technically secure with the orchestra contributing its supportive and colourful role.

In the symphony, the Chandos produced a grandly-flowing first movement, a fiery scherzo and a most lyrical adagio, this music bringing to an end one of their most successful concerts so far.

Judging from the tumultuous applause at the finish, seemingly the audience also thought the playing was first class.