RSNO treat for music lovers

Jan 23 2009 Strathearn Herald

WHAT a privileged wee town we live in! When the Royal Scottish National Orchestra determined upon a week of concerts, community visits, and workshops throughout Perth and Kinross from January 12 to 17, Crieff was selected as one of only half a dozen venues to be included in its itinerary.

So on Tuesday of last week Morrisons Academy hall was packed by an enthusiastic audience of music lovers ready to applaud Bryan Allan currently Head of Brass and Orchestral Co-ordinator at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama conducting 'Brilliant Brass' - 13 brass players from the orchestra committed to giving of their best and reminding us of the power yet surprising subtlety of an orchestra's brass section.

With pieces ranging from an arrangement of the traditional 'Greensleeves' (attributed to Henry VIII) to a Fats Waller Suite recalling the jazz age, together with Dave Brubeck's 'Take Five, Six and Seven' there was something for every taste, and an opportunity for each instrument from tuba to trombone and trumpet to demonstrate its virtuosity, its tenderness and humour when demanded.

Timpani and percussion players concealed behind their fellow musicians made their own invaluable contribution to the evening's performance.

It was not the fault of 'Brillant Brass' that some sections were almost too painfully loud for some listeners - pity the players crowded on to the small stage and consider the size of the hall when compared say to Perth Concert hall! Nevertheless, a splendid and unusual evening of musical brilliance and we must thank in addition The Courier acknowledged by the Chief Executive of RSNO to be an invaluable partner in promoting the work of the orchestra.

Don Macaskill

AS well as bringing music to the masses, local school pupils also benefited from the expertise of some of the musicians from the RSNO.

Young musicians who play in the Perth Youth Wind Band were treated to a session with players last Tuesday morning, while those who play in the Perth Youth Orchestra played alongside the RSNO at a packed concert in Perth Concert Hall on Thursday evening.

RSNO musicians Bill and Helen Brew also worked with enthusiastic children from the morning session of St Dominic’s nursery - who put on a stunning performance of the Gruffalo Musical for the school on Friday.