I WAS impressed by the orchestra's new musical director Damian Penfold when he appeared at Music For You, which gave a taste of great things to come - and I was not disappointed on Saturday.
The orchestra played with so much more confidence and with several new players, there is more depth in the strings particularly.
During the opening items, sections from Bizet's Carmen Suites I and II, there was only one, brief, hint of timidity in the strings, the rest being played superbly.
Elizabeth MacDonald was guest soprano to sing seven of Canteloube's Chants d'Auvergne, including the ever-popular Bailero and another favourite of mine, Cradle Song.
The orchestra's accompaniment was generally unintrusive, but there were just a couple of occasions when they played a little too loudly and it was difficult to hear the singer.
As usual, Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra seemed to have really warmed up by the final item, Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, and here they really excelled, coping with the awkward tempo changes, and a triumphant finale ending a most enjoyable concert.
VJS
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