Yorkshire Evening Press, 28th June, 1999

York Symphony Orchestra Centenary
Concert; Central Hall,
York University

APRIL 5, 1899 was a red-letter day in the musicai life of York. It marked the first concert by ‘Mr Noble’s Band’, the popular name for York Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra had been co-founded in June 1898 by the new Minster organist, Thomas Tertius Noble, and the violinist Editha Knocker. Their achievement was to lay the foundation for an orchestral tradition that not merely survives but thrives today, still making York the envy of many a larger city.

Saturday’s concert, which all but filled Central Hall, was a splendidly varied occasion. Twelve guest players expanded the orchestra to more than 75, firmly conducted by Leslie Bresnen. The presence of York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir added further colour. Rousing brass made the overture to Die Meistersinger a perfect fanfare. But it was the woodwinds who came into their own in Respighi’s ballet La Boutique Fantasque, notably the plangent clarinet soloist. The excellent winds further exploited lively patchwork of Bizet’s First Carmen Suite.

Jacqueline Edwards brought rich tone and a smoot.h legato to the solo role in Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody, under the choir’s conductor, Jill Wild. The masterly understatement of its opening pages quickened into new life with the entrance of the choir. Choruses from The Flying Dutchman and Tannhauser were further fruits of he imaginative collaboration between t he two ensembles. Walton’s Crown Imperial, with vigorous strings, made a majestic finale — and a fitting prelude to the orchestra’s next century.

Martin Dreyer