MUSIC
GEOFF LIU LEADS THE ACADEMY STRINGS , DIRECTED BY BEN CASTLE
Zhang , L . Mus . A ., performed the first movement of Weber ’ s dazzling clarinet concerto number 2 brilliantly , with the orchestra supporting him with sensitivity and precision . The first half of the concert concluded with Rachmaninov ’ s piano concerto number 2 , with William Cheah , L . Mus . A . ( distinction ) as soloist . It was a spirited performance , filled with contrast and executed with panache , accompanied superbly by the orchestra . Aaron Zhang played the famous horn solo beautifully .
The second half of the concert comprised a complete performance of Beethoven ’ s magnificent symphony number 7 . The work was chosen partly to celebrate the devoted service that Mr Robert McLaren has given to Scotch over so many years .
He has always supported music ( partly because he was once a horn player ), and Beethoven ’ s 7th is his favourite symphony as I happened to know .. The orchestra acquitted itself with aplomb , and while all musicians performed with conviction , Daniel Wang , playing the notoriously difficult first horn part , deserves a special mention for his precision and accuracy .
DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY – DR JOHN FERGUSON , BEN FERGUSON
WILL CHEAH TAKES A BOW AFTER PERFORMING RACHMANINOV ’ S 2ND PIANO CONCERTO
46 Great Scot