Reviews / An exceptional evening of festive music

What a great way to spend a December evening! The Shetland Youth Orchestra’s Christmas concert on Wednesday at the Lerwick Town Hall could not have failed to get the audience into the festive spirit, writes Chris Horrix.

This ever-growing music group, with ages ranging from ten to 17, is now around 40 in number. The orchestra, and its string and wind groups, is playing confidently and enthusiastically under the excellent leadership of the adults working with these young people.

Countless moments left a lasting impression. The timing and tuning of these young players was impeccable, enabling them to tackle some difficult pieces.

The senior string group played an arrangement by Annalie Irvine of Taverner’s choral piece The Lamb that was both mesmerising and atmospheric. They were joined by the junior string group to play the Sussex Carol and a beautiful cut back arrangement of O Holy Night.

The flute quartet took us on a journey through time with their Elizabethan Coventry carol Angels from the Realms of Glory from the 19th century and the modern Let it Snow.

The wind band took us to New York for a rousing version of the Pogues’ Fairytale classic. The percussion players kept the orchestra and band on track with their crisp rhythms, playing everything from drums to sleigh bells. The audience had the opportunity to join in the fun by singing some carols too!

This young orchestra is especially good at producing a wide range of orchestral colours, and its playing was engaging and enthusiastic.

The performance of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice perfectly portrayed the mischievousness of the music; Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy sparkled, and a joyful Waltz of the Flowers was magical. The soaring finale to Stravinsky’s Firebird, not an easy piece with its key changes and intricate rhythms, was a wonderful conclusion to an entertaining evening full of musicality.

All in all, an exceptional evening of festive music from these young folk, and a celebration of their hard work and undoubted talent.