ST JAMES' Church was almost full for the Autumn Concert of Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra, on November 18. It featured three works by French composers and opened with a vigorous performance of the Riguadon from Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel. Each contrasting section was interpreted sympathetically by all players under the positive leadership of Cameron Tunney.

The orchestra then played eight movements from Bizet's L'Arlesienne Suites. The very varied movements were sensitively performed, each section of the orchestra given ample opportunity to shine in turn. Particularly beautiful was the duet played by Jo French (flute) and Ben Creighton-Griffiths a well known Welsh harpist.

After the interval we were led quietly into a challenging work, Saint Seans' Symphony No 3 in C minor in which the orchestra were enriched by a talented organist, Philip Weaver of Ascension, Bath, and two pianists, Ben Jarvis and Edward Cooke. It began with a quiet, mysterious adagio which soon led to a rousing allegro followed by another exquisite adagio in which organ suspensions underpinned pizzicato strings.

The second half of the work consisted of four contrasting sections with a frenetic string introduction and some demanding fast tonguing for the oboes particularly. A fortissimo C major chord on the organ announced the Finale in which the church reverberated with the sound of the full orchestra and the organ. The audience showed its appreciation by prolonged applause for each soloist, orchestra section, leader and conductor.

Trowbridge can be proud to have such an outstanding orchestra directed by a truly inspiring conductor, Philip Draisey.

Marion Buckler