Orchestra’s ‘Summer Spectacular’

Rochdale Youth Orchestra’s ‘Summer Spectacular’ concert at Rochdale’s magnificent Town Hall

Rochdale Youth Orchestra’s ‘Summer Spectacular’ concert was held at Rochdale’s magnificent Town Hall on Saturday evening.

The concert was very well attended and special guests included the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors James and Jane Gartside and local MPs Simon Danczuk and Jim Dobbin.

The evening was well co-ordinated by MC William Hobhouse who ensured that all ran smoothly. Guest performers were Rochdale Schools Concert Orchestra.

Rochdale Youth Orchestra with musical director Sue Verity and leader Moet Griffiths began the evening’s entertainment. Various countries were visited including Scotland with ‘Loch Lomond’ and ‘Skye Boat Song’, Vienna with the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and warmer climes with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ A lively ‘Russian Gopak’ concluded this section.

Chris Jolly directed the RYO Jazz Ensemble from the saxophone. Their performance included two charming arrangements of traditional pieces, ‘Skip to My Lou’ and ‘St Anthony Chorale’, both of which enabled the children to show their individual skills in solo parts.

Rochdale Schools Concert Orchestra with musical director Ian Nelson performed a varied selection of pieces including the lively ‘William Tell Overture’ and ‘March to the Scaffold’ with its sombre undertones, both of which utilised the brass and percussion section to its full capacity – echoing around the Great Hall.

The concert concluded with the combined orchestras performing a rousing Last Night of the Proms theme. Freda Farnworth, well- known local soprano, delighted the audience with ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’ and other music included ‘Crown Imperial’ – especially chosen to mark the recent Diamond Jubilee - ‘Radetzky March’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. The audience waved their flags and sang with gusto, and clearly enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole evening.