Prague Symphony Orchestra – St George’s Hall

THE PRAGUE Symphony Orchestra performed in Bradford last Saturday under the Czech conductor Jan Kucera.

There was a characteristic programme of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto sandwiched between two Czech works, Smetana’s Sarka and Dvorak’s 8th Symphony.

SARKA is the third movement of Ma Vlast, Smetana’s epic depiction of aspects of Bohemian’s countryside and history.

Though it nicely warmed up the orchestra, Sarka was a disappointing choice given its complete disapproval in the concert hall and recording studio.

Needless to say, the Beethoven concerto was a different matter.

Chloe Hanslip, the young British violin soloist, gave a very strong interpretation, attacking the composer’s ideas with fearless in confidence. She commanded the stage.

Equally, the symphony appeared to be the property of Prague’s revered Symphony Orchestra.

The composer’s style is highly distinctive. Melodies played almost inevitably on the first violins before there was time to digress or develop.

The four movements were irresistibly applied under the evening’s conductor in time for an encore, inevitably, one of Dvorak’s melting Slavonic dances, No 10.

*The Bradford International Orchestral Season continues on December 5, with The Halle playing Schumann, Mendelssohn and Berlioz. Visit but-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.

John Pettitt