Review: Otley Chamber Orchestra, Bridge Street Church Hall, Otley

What a joy it is on an early summer’s evening to be able to walk to a local church hall and be able to anticipate a live performance by a full scale Symphony Orchestra. The people of Otley and surroundings were about to hear the 2024 programme of music, presented with assured musicianship and directed by their new conductor, Ben Frampton, and led by the accomplished violin playing of leader, Chris Hodges. Announced from the front as the “Hot ticket in Otley today” we sat back and awaited the music to begin.

Sullivan’s overture, Iolanthe, opens quietly with a well tuned and balanced wind section accompanied by expressive strings supported by a firm and rhythmic bass section. Once past the introduction the orchestra engaged in sprightly and energetic music making, giving way to a familiar melody, played warmly by the cello section particularly. The whole orchestra demonstrated keen awareness of the separate elements of the music as they performed the music, and finished in fine style with a flourish and a smile. The orchestra responded very well to the conductor’s command of ebb and flow, making marked differences when required, with regard to expression particularly. This feature was evident and consistent throughout the whole programme.

Butterworth’s Banks of Green Willow is very atmospheric and easily recognised as “English” in its pastoral feeling. A glowing clarinet solo opens the piece followed by a particularly challenging passage for the violins moving on to a plaintive oboe solo allowing the strings more comfort in their accompanying music. Several solo lines permeate the music giving flute, oboe, French horn and violin chance to shine in their given moments.

Faure’s Masques and Bergamasques presents a feast of tuneful music and commenced with finely articulated strings, the upper violins particularly playing with conviction, and no doubt pleasure, in sustaining the melody. The Overture showed rhythmic security, the Minuet charm and the Gavotte galloped enthusiastically through its opening section grounded by sensitive timpani playing with both loud and quiet interjections. More responsibility was placed on the strings who opened the Pastorale in a languid and peaceful manner, joined harmoniously by the wind with some particularly fine French horn playing. To a critical ear the challenge of sustaining precise tuning was occasionally more evident in this piece.

Coates’ Miniature Suite is not very well known but is catchy, tuneful and a great joy to listen to. The flowing melody was blended well across the orchestra and coloured by some fine trumpet interjections and woodwind chordings. The Intermezzo was calm and warmly played allowing the lead violin to perform a difficult solo line with skill, followed by the Scene du Bal which was delivered with energy and panache and included a lovely flute solo and a flourishing finish.

The main item of the programme was a little known symphony from a nineteenth century French, composer, Louise Farrenc who actually wrote three symphonies but was apparently mostly known for her piano compositions and performing skills. The third symphony is immediately accessible, tuneful and engaging. Ideas are bounced about between sections of the orchestra and the conductor kept assured control of the rhythms and tempo which resulted in lively and characterful music making throughout the opening movement. The adagio presented an opportunity for the lead clarinet to enjoy the solo line shared with the flute. Careful observance of rubato added colour to the performance. It’s good to see the bows of the strings working unanimously, not as easy to achieve as you might think! The scherzo was a lively affair, clearly enjoyed by the orchestra, balanced by a calm middle section with well blended French horn and flute work and added zest from the bassoons. The allegro final movement was an energetic and committed performance which provided an exciting end to a hugely enjoyable evening which was much appreciated by the audience in the well filled Bridge Church Hall, Otley. Orchestras are a team of dedicated individuals, possessing a wide variety of skills, developed and honed over years of hard work and it’s a privilege to hear the product of so many hours of practise and rehearsal come together so convincingly. Well done Otley Chamber Orchestra.