‘Magnificent’, ‘awesome’, ‘incredible, ‘never heard anything as good’ these were the overwhelming comments being said at the interval of this marvellous concert being given by the acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) at the Royal Concert Hall , Friday night.
Russian Vasily Petrenko, conducted Tchaikovsky’s second symphony, known as the ‘Little Russian’. A Russian nickname for the Ukraine, where sadly there is a serious conflict; maybe that is one reason the orchestra played which such brilliance, in honour of the people suffering there at the moment.
Vasily Petrenko (38) is a young dynamic conductor, he is simply brilliant, we felt honoured to see him conduct such poignant pieces, seeing and hearing such a gifted, dedicated performer at the very height of their profession was magnificent.
The second piece after the interval was Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony, this was first heard just after Stalin’s death in 1953, Shostakovich himself had suffered a great deal under his countries tyrannical leader. RLPO recordings of Shostakovich’s symphonies have received rave reviews and the 10thSymphony won them the 2011 Gramophone Award.
Speaking of which Vasily Petrenko signed copies of the Cd after the concert and I heard him say ‘everyone has talent’ No, Vasily, they don’t, and yours is out of this world.
Next time Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are in the city be sure to go and see them, classical music at is very best, ’you will never hear better’.
Review by Ann Taylor
