Review: Opus Orchestra gives a pleasing concert in Rotorua

Opus Orchestra conductor Dr Peter Walls. Photo/File

Once again, the combination of conductor Peter Walls's effective and informed direction, the verve of the players, and a programme which included unfamiliar treasures from the classical repertoire ensured a concert which was consistently pleasing.

Opus opened with a whirl - Mozart's Ballet Music from Idomeneo, adapted from that opera, combines dance rhythms, operatic drama and symphonic development.

Their refreshing performance emphasised this is music of high quality and does not deserve the neglect it has suffered from.

Richard Strauss wrote his Horn Concerto No.1 as a teenage student.

His youthful vitality came through in the assured technique and silky tones of the outstanding horn soloist Samuel Jacobs.

Richard Wagner's Siegfried Idyll was a birthday gift to his wife, but as Peter Walls explained, this was not only a pleasing gesture, but was one filled with significant themes relating to his life and music.

Opus splendidly caught the serene strains of the music and its themes, underlined by woodwind and brass solos.

Beethoven was the master of mixing moods in his music, and his Symphony No.8 excels as a kaleidoscope of giddiness and surprises.

The orchestra, particularly the strings, gave it a richly enjoyable performance as they deftly managed the hectic changes of texture and tempos.

- Supplied by Hanno Fairburn.

The Details:
- What: Opus Orchestra
- Where: Destiny Church
- When: Sunday