"Wow what an amazing relaunch concert for the Airedale Symphony Orchestra". After eight months away from performing, the orchestra and concert audience made up for lost time with great music and enthusiastic support at the King's Hall in Ilkley.
A sell out performance on Sunday 19 November meant an overflow audience was invited to sit in the Winter Gardens next to the King's Hall, with doors wide open to allow everyone to hear if not see the music! The atmosphere was electric as the friendly local orchestra performed works spanning the decades. Cello soloist Douglas Badger played the Dvorak Cello Concerto with great passion, it was wonderful to see 'The Oak' by Florence Price in a rare performance alongside the uber famous Beethoven 5. Plus there were some excellent cakes on offer during the interval!
Feedback from from the audience:
"Excellent concert. I particularly enjoyed the cello concerto and the Florence Price piece was also excellent- a real revelation. There was some really sensitive playing. Woodwind section playing was v impressive." Les Goldman
"I’m a newbie to coming to Airedale Symphony Orchestra events - and I’m not very musical myself. I was totally lifted up and inspired by the evening. I loved the range of music and for the first time ever, the emotion and drama of classical music gave me goosebumps: a physical reaction to the power of music. It totally opened my eyes to the power of live classical music. A wonderful night and I will be coming back for more!" Hilary Carter
"Such an amazing concert last night, great atmosphere, great musicians and a very happy audience, thrilled with the programme!" Jane Golden
"Best cello concerto (performed very well by Mr Badger). Most famous symphony (where the orchestra really came into its own and played with a polished sheen to the sound)" Edward Whelan
A spokesperson for the Airedale Symphony Orchestra said: "Thank you to everyone involved in making this such a special afternoon - the musicians, our super conductor Ben Crick, amazing soloist Douglas Badger, and the enormous, and enormously enthusiastic audience!"
The orchestra have two Christmas concerts in Baildon on 16 December and will be back at the King's Hall in Ilkley on 17 March 2024, tickets details are available here.
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