Date:Friday 12 Mar 2010

Venue:Ulster Hall

Time:7.45 pm

Cost:£8 - £20 (£3 student standby)

Paul Watkins  
Conductor
Natalie Clein  
Cello   


Beethoven
Overture: Leonore No.1   
Schumann    
Cello Concerto  
Brahms
Symphony No.1  

Clara, Schumann’s wife, thought his Cello Concerto was vivacious, fresh and humorous – “giving the greatest pleasure to those who hear it”. History has confirmed her opinion! For the finale of his First Symphony, Brahms borrowed a theme he’d sent to Clara on her birthday. The music triumphs despite the long shadows cast by Beethoven. 

REVIEW

Belfast Telegraph 

Saturday 13 March 2010

Alf McCreary

It's been a good week for the Ulster Orchestra with news of more Arts Council funding after a lean year, and there was more cele­bration last night for the appear­ance of distinguished principal guest conductor Paul Watkins.

This was a truly 'classical' pro­gramme with Beethoven, plus Schumann and Brahms whose destinies were so intertwined.

The Schumann Cello concerto was performed with great virtu­osity by Natalie Clein.lt was no coincidence there was such inte­gration between the soloist and or­chestra, given that Paul Watkins is an outstanding cellist in his own right. There was also the considerable treat of a Bach encore.

The Brahms Symphony No I, which took so long to complete because the composer felt overshad­owed by Beethoven, is a mighty work and last night the orchestra gave an assured performance, full of power and subtlety.

The slow movement was partic­ularly compelling and the rich fi­nale with its beautiful theme ended in a suitable triumph to lengthy audience acclaim. This was a memorable appearance by Mr Watkins in his new role and a very fine Brahms 1 indeed.

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