Conducted by Gabs Damiani

A Celebration of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Farrenc, and Rossini in Oxford

The St Giles Orchestra delivered a richly satisfying and thoughtfully shaped programme under the assured under the direction of Gabs Damiani, whose focus on attentive listening among the various sections was clearly evident throughout the performance. The concert opened with Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, dispatched with sparkling brilliance and a keen sense of wit, immediately establishing a vibrant rapport between players and audience. Farrenc’s Overture No. 2 launched the second half with equal conviction, revealing an impressive dynamic range and particularly fine, agile playing from the strings and woodwind. Central to the programme, Dvořák’s The Water Goblin posed considerable challenges with its shifting tempos, contrasting characters, and tightly woven narrative arc; yet the orchestra navigated these demands with confidence, capturing both the drama and colour of the score.

The concert culminated in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, where soloist Eve Kennedy offered a performance of striking poise and intensity. Her playing balanced warmth and lyricism with moments of electrifying virtuosity, shaping the music with a clear sense of narrative and emotional depth. The audience’s spontaneous applause after the first movement spoke volumes about the immediacy and impact of her interpretation. Throughout, Damiani led with clarity and composure, drawing together the ensemble’s strengths into a cohesive and compelling whole. It was evident that the orchestra relishes performing under his direction, and this mutual understanding resulted in a triumphant and memorable evening for the SGO.

A video recording of the Concerto can be found here.