Music Review: Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Published on Wednesday 19 November 2008 19:25

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA **** ST CUTHBERT'S PARISH CHURCH, EDINBURGH

THE Scottish Chamber Orchestra's long-held manifesto to "serve the Scottish community" is alive and well at St Cuthbert's. A quick glance around the church on Tuesday night proved that the orchestra's cleverly titled CL@SIX series is having the desired effect. The combined pull of relatively cheap seats, 6pm start time and, crucially, hour-long concerts has ensured a wide audience demographic – including a healthy smattering of young families.

The choice of popular, accessible pieces doesn't hurt either, and a capacity crowd turned up to hear two of Handel's most celebrated and well-loved works. Created in the 18th century for King George I and King George II respectively, his Water Music Suite No 1 and Music for the Royal Fireworks feel like two sides of the same coin when performed together. Both exuding a regal quality and upbeat ability to entertain – which is exactly what they were composed to do.

Guest conductor Matthew Halls is one of the UK's rising stars, with a particular affinity for the Baroque. Handel, therefore, was on safe ground with this debonair young man whose hands moved as if they were caressing the air. Inevitably, the giant wall of sound Handel intended for his audience was built a little smaller, due to the limited size of the orchestra's brass and percussion sections. What it lacked in power, however, the performance made up for in atmosphere – not least because of the beautiful stained glass surroundings of St Cuthbert's.

Alternative venues may have their drawbacks (overhead lights suddenly illuminating the audience between movements – and staying that way – for example) but it is events such as this that prove what an adaptable ensemble the Scottish Chamber Orchestra is.