RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Summer Lunchtime Concerts at the National Concert Hall, June 16, 2016

Today’s afternoon’s concert with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra opens with the Overture from Weber’s Der Freischütz, and ends with two patriotic 19th century marches by John Philip Sousa’s Semper Fidelis & Stars and Stripes.

Imaginative programmming makes full use of the orchestras scale and the resultant impact is luscious and delightfully humourous. Scott Joplin’s trio of pieces The Entertainer, Maple Leaf Rag & Ragtime Dance are brimming with playful touches from section solos on wind, brass and percussion.

2014 winner of the Feis Ceoil Yamaha brass bursary and the youngest winner of the RDS €10,000 music bursary Clara Daly Donnellan (18) joins Ireland’s foremost orchestra for two pieces on trombone. It’s a formidable and rare opportunity for the trombone to be featured as soloist and Clara uses the chance well, displaying beautiful tone and great articulation. Her first piece Romance by Weber is a joy. The second by Arthur Willard Pryor challenges Donnellan – she displays excellent dexterity but on occasion the nerves got the better of this young performer. Nonetheless her superb tone shone through and highlights a bright future.

Proceedings are led with quiet aplomb by Gavin Maloney who has an easy conducting style that lends both energy and authority but provides committed support to the emerging soloist.

Programme:

Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz Op. 77, J.277

Carl Maria von Weber Romance (arr. John Glensk Mortimer)

Scott Joplin (orch. John Langley) The Entertainer

Scott Joplin (orch. Paul Campbell) Maple Leaf Rag

Scott Joplin (orch. John Langley) Ragtime Dance

Arthur Willard Pryor (arr. Scotty Shelsta) Thoughts of Love

John Philip Sousa (arr. Aubrey Winter) Semper Fidelis 

John Philip Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever

 

Conductor: Gavin Maloney

Soloist: Clara Daly Donnellan