Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Nutcracker Magic at Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Georgina Bentley
Wow, what a feast to my ears I have just experienced at The Lighthouse in Poole. The resident Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were giving a treat to their audience of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 performed by Boris Giltburg and The Nutcracker (Act II) by Tchaikovsky. The BSO was conducted tonight by its resident conductor, Mark Wigglesworth.
The concert hall at The Lighthouse is the perfect venue for any live music but particularly that of a symphonic nature, the ambience within the hall is superb for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the characteristics of the space add to the listeners overall positive experience.
Tonight was a notable date for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as it was the 100th live streamed concert for them since their first live stream back in 2020, and they had over 300 new people tuning into this evening’s live stream for their first time.
The night’s music started with Rachmaninov’s piano concerto no.3, this composition is a challenge to any accomplished pianist but Boris Giltburg plays through it with impeccable skill and emotion. The beginning of the first movement feels romantic, almost as if Rachmaninov is enticing and drawing the listener in as the enchanting journey unfolds. Giltburgs exquisitely emotive playing has the audience holding their breath on many occasions throughout the piece, you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium during quiet moments as the whole concert hall was spellbound. The principal theme returns after a flourish of excitement in the middle to finish off the first movement beautifully. The second movement brings on a slower more sombre pace with the minor key making it feel very wistful. The piano enters very dramatically and there is a deeply contrasting scherzando section which skips the music about from being serious to jovial. The finale is very triumphant and brings in the first movements theme with a strong rhythm throughout. Giltburg received a standing ovation for tonight’s performance which was totally outstanding and he appeased the audience by playing a captivating encore showing the surpassing talent of his magic fingers.
There was a 15 minute interval to reset the stage before the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra played The Nutcracker (Act II). The orchestra’s opening phrases to this act were exquisitely sung through the hall, it was as if the notes were dancing gracefully across the stage from the musicians’ instruments. Clara and the Prince are welcomed to the Great Hall at the Palace, here they will be entertained by several dances and this is what the music endeavours to portray. The dances feature different solo instruments: trumpets, flutes, French horns, harps amongst others, all played very sensitively with exposed parts being played impeccably. Dynamics throughout the Act were executed perfectly keeping the listener begging for more. During these ‘dances’ we were transported to another world with the final waltz being a perfect collaboration at the end of a perfect evening.
Nothing can beat live orchestral music and tonight was no exception, I can’t wait for my next evening with the BSO.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17 to £52 (booking fees may apply)
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performed Nutcracker Magic at the Lighthouse Poole on Wednesday 4th December 2024, there was also a livestream, for more information visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 280000
Poole Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
There is also a performance of Nutcracker Magic at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 5th December 2024, for more information visit bsolive.com.