LATEST REVIEW
RUSSIANS BY THE SEA
Review of 9th May 2026 Concert - by Paul Nash
It was high tide in north bay as the beautiful orchestral waves crashed over the packed house at the Methodist Hall in Queen Street for Glazunov’s ‘La Mer’. A stunning atmospheric piece evoking a turbulent sea that was executed wonderfully by the Scarborough Symphony Orchestra. As the timpani thunderously rolled, expertly played by Paul Midgley, the expanded orchestra alternately swelled and calmed featuring two beautiful harps (Anita Aslin and Sarah Paterson) as well as six additional horns and a bass trumpet. Such a powerful and evocative piece with fantastic light melodic passages counterpointed by roaring crescendos and crashes, one I certainly won’t forget in a hurry.
The next Russian composer featured was Shostakovich. His first violin concerto in A minor. For this we were treated by the return of the fabulous soloist Andy Long, a prolific recitalist, and incredible player. The brooding dark Nocturne was absolutely stunning, such beautiful long melodic strokes of the composer’s brush led into the scherzo, a manic fugue before the final two movements featuring a magnificent solo section where I actually thought the violin might catch fire. I must mention as well, the orchestral backing, which was sensitive and powerful, a credit to the passionate energy of conductor Shaun Matthew, who also curated tonight’s all Russian programme.
For the finale (after the break) we were in for a special treat, Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’. In keeping with the programme, instead of Ravel’s more well known orchestration we got Ashenkanazy’s version, which I have to say was exceptional. From the first phrase of the classic ‘Promenade’ the audience was gripped and as we passed through the exhibition stopping to sample the various pictures (projected at the back of the hall thanks to Sam Woods-Peel), the orchestra were magnificent. I have to mention my two favourite’s - ‘Gnomus’ – incredibly dark and powerful, and ‘The Great Gate of Kiev’ which closes the piece with a fantastic crescendo of the pictures theme. “Fireworks over Kiev”, Shaun promised in his interlude chat, and he did not disappoint! Every time I go, I say this is the best concert yet, and this was certainly no exception – what a finale, what a night! The SSO have done it again.
I cannot recommend coming to see the SSO enough, you can’t beat seeing ‘live’ music and I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you give it a try. I can only urge you not to miss the Summer concert on 11th July 2026.
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