Moser Plays Dvořák with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Exeter University’s Great Hall Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Helen Wyatt
I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a recent concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the University of Exeter’s Great Hall, where they brought us a fantastic programme consisting of the overture from Smetana’s Bartered Bride, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Joining them was internationally acclaimed cellist Johannes Moser who had returned to play with the orchestra in the Great Hall after 12 years away.
Opening with Smetana’s Bartered Bride overture, I was immediately impressed by the professionalism and musicality of the orchestra. I had not heard the Bartered Bride before, so it was a pleasure to enjoy it so beautifully played. The orchestra really captured the attention of the audience from the first note and held it right to the exhilarating and dramatic end.
We were then introduced to Dvořák’s cello concerto in B minor and solo cellist Johannes Moser. This was another piece I had not encountered previously, and it was another captivating experience from beginning to end. Moser was a joy to watch, as he brought the cello solo to life with both power and sensitivity. It was clearly a very complicated piece, and both Moser and the orchestra delivered the full concerto with expertise, precision and passion. The rousing conclusion of the piece, in the concerto’s final movement, was beautiful and intense, gaining well-earned enthusiastic and extended applause from the audience. I was particularly impressed that Moser played this piece from memory, despite its technical brilliance.
Just before the interval, Moser played an unexpected additional unaccompanied piece, a movement from Bach’s cello suite, one of my personal favourites. This was described by Moser as a palate cleanser after the intensity of Dvořák, which it truly was, and both beautifully and sympathetically played.
The conclusion of the evening was the joyous Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, so well known to many. The Orchestra and Moser continued to deliver their excellent performance without appearing to tire, although clearly all pieces were very physically intense. Beethoven’s 7th does not let up, and the performance carried the audience along with joy. It was difficult not to sing along!
The whole evening was brought together by conductor Enyi Okpara, BSO’s Calleva Assistant Conductor guiding and leading the whole orchestra with professionalism, confidence and ease. It was fascinating to watch Enyi’s own performance, which was fluid and dynamic, clearly driving the orchestra and Moser forward, without losing any of the performance’s intensity, right to the very end of the evening.
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra often brings concerts to the University of Exeter’s Great Hall; it was a perfect location to showcase their performance, with excellent acoustics. Due to the majority of seating being lower than the stage, it wasn’t possible to see the whole orchestra, which I would have personally preferred, however that did not take away from the sound quality.
There is ample parking at the venue, a short walk from the Great Hall, and plenty of refreshments were available during the interval.
If you have the opportunity to experience one of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra or Moser’s performances then I would urge to you to as you will not be disappointed. It was an unforgettable night, and not knowing two of the three main pieces did not matter at all, as the musical expertise of all of the performers shone through.
Rating: 5/5
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is performing at various venues in 2025. For more information or to book tickets visit bsolive.com/whats-on/