Concert Reviews
Text Box: “We are used to good music and musicians at The Priory, but as many told me after the concert, your performance took their experience to new heights. Thank you, not just for being such brilliant musicians performing and interesting programme, but for being such delightful people and knowing how to entertain. We are delighted that you have agreed to return” - Bernard Windle, Bolton Priory, May 2008 The RPS secretary said: “One of the best concerts we have ever organised” at the conclusion of the third concert of their 40th season that resulted in three encores for the 31 year-old pianist Caroline Clipsham and the virtuoso cellist Orfeo Mandozzi of the world renowned Vienna Brahms Trio. Working together as a concert duo Caroline and Orfeo radiate a charisma of confidence, professionalism and charm, well evident before they play their first notes. Both have impressive prize-winning achievements in their career stepping-stones and their music is a delight. Opening with the flowing and melodic Cello Sonata in A major by Luigi Boccherini (one of 40 he composed), Caroline and Orfeo quickly established themselves as complete masters of their art with accurate identity from the piano and the superb tonal values of the cello. This was followed by Beethoven’s cello Sonata in A major (Opus 69) that he wrote in 1808 during the same period as the inspired 5th Symphony. The duo captured the strident, emphatic opening of the first movement and the intricate, spikey phrases of the second (scherzo). The dramatic moments of the final Allegro Vivace were awesome. After the interval, Caroline and Orfeo returned for Rachmaninov’s Sonata for Piano and cello in G minor (Opus 19) written in 1901. Their interpretation of this beautiful work was notable for the technical accuracy from the piano and the emotional delivery of the cello, top class in every way. Applause from the discerning audience was sustained over triple encores, bringing this enchanting musical occasion to a climatic conclusion. Simon Ames - “The Guide – Surrey Mirror” Feb. 10th 2005 “A very gifted pianist with an assured technique and natural musicality” - Isobel Rolston, Artistic Director, Banff Centre for the Arts,Canada