A Classic Performance from Chamber Philharmonic

Posted on 14th March 2023

The Chamber Philharmonic Europe brought a rare, but very welcome, programme of classical music to the Corn Hall that teetered teasingly between the populist and the adventurous. Lead violinist Pawel Zuzanski took us on a journey that featured the works of very some well-known composers, along with arresting interpretations of intriguing lesser known music.

The evening commenced with a solid version of Correlli’s concerto Grosso in D Major. Uncertain just how much of it we were getting, the audience jumped in after the first movement with well-meaning applause, only to shrink back in their seats when it became apparent there was more to come. Corelli’s sublime music was followed be Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, a showcase for the skills of Cyrill Gussaroff, and a welcome sorbet before a moving rendition of Elgar’s Serenade for Strings closed the first half.

Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major opened the second half of the evening, and despite a wobbly start, demonstrated why the composer is such a constant feature of classical programmes. Along with Mozart’s Divertimento, this was perhaps safe programming, but there’s no denying the quality of the music delivered. Nonetheless, sandwiched between these two well-known pieces of music was the arguably more interesting Vocalise from Rachmaninoff, which did much to demonstrate the range and ambition of the group.

It was left until the very end before we got what, for me, was the highlights of the evening, as Astor Piazzolla’s Oblivion was sneaked onto the bill as an encore. Ostensibly an Argentinian tango, it brought Cyrill Gussaroff back on stage, adding his trumpet to the ensemble in a way that had me wishing they had made greater use of his talents throughout the evening. This was a thoroughly entertaining and engaging performance – one can only hope it signals more of the same in the future.