Conductors: Russell Gray, So Matsukawa
Soloist: Jens Lindemann
Regent Hall
London
Friday 4th October

 
Once again Foden’s made its welcome pre-National appearance at Regent Hall for a concert of commanding professionalism.

It was all the more impressive given that due to travel delays several players only managed to get the venue half an hour before the band took to the stage. After catching their breath, it was straight into a demanding first half, opening with the triptych Salvationist march ‘Jubilee’.

Elegant precision

Japanese conductor So Matsukawa was the winner of the BBCA Conducting Competition, part of the prize being the opportunity to work with MD Russell Gray and conduct the band at this event.  As it was expressed, it has been a partnership that has inspired both parties. 

He led Malcolm Arnold’s ‘The Roots of Heaven’,  a musical message of conservation freedom, with elegant precision; the band responding with immediacy to his clearly defined gestures and urgings.    

He led Malcolm Arnold’s ‘The Roots of Heaven’,  a musical message of conservation freedom, with elegant precision; the band responding with immediacy to his clearly defined gestures and urgings.    

Horn star Jonathan Bates was the fleet-footed soloist on Bohme’s ‘La Napolitaine’  before the ensemble changed in style to frothy musical suds of  ‘Root Beer Rag’  to herald the appearance of special guest soloist Jens Lindemann - the epitome of a star virtuoso with his character imbuing his musicianship in a bewitching ‘Dusk’  from the ‘Concerto for Jazz Orchestra’.

Cultured appreciation

The chance to hear Russell Gray’s evocative appreciation of ‘Harrison’s Dream’  ahead of the National Final added to the contest day expectancy -the cultured appreciation of the composer’s intentions marked in thought and delivery. 

Foden’s then relaxed with fun of their own in the Brass in Concert winning ‘Prince Ali’  programme to round off a concert of so many high class highlights.    

‘With Fire and Sword’  provided the rousing introduction to the second half as So Matsukawa led the band for a second time, whilst Jens also returned to give the most sublime offering of ‘Amazing Grace’  followed by the stratospheric fun of ‘Malaguena’.

Foden’s then relaxed with fun of their own in the Brass in Concert winning ‘Prince Ali’  programme to round off a concert of so many high class highlights.    

Willem Adrichem