From the Dundee Courier 8 February 2010
Music from Stage & Screen came to a packed Reid Hall, Forfar, on Saturday evening. The audience enthusiastically enjoyed a musical extravaganza.
The 75 members of Tayside Symphony Orchestra, ably led by conductor Ron Walker, gave an impressive performance of an enjoyable programme, which catered for a wide variety of musical tastes. It was encouraging to see a number of new faces amongst the players, including several young persons. Special mention must also be made of the achievement of tuba player, Ross Knight from Carnoustie, who was crowned Scottish Champion earlier that day in an annual Brass Band Contest.
The programme was drawn from 10 productions and the rousing opening of An American Rhapsody set the tone for the evening. Thereafter, the audience enjoyed excerpts from Evita - the theme of Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina, was hauntingly played by the orchestra.
Selections from Les Miserables and Grease led us into a James Bond medley, which created a ripple of approval around the audience. The first part of the programme reached a resounding climax with John Williams’ Highlights, arranged by Ted Ricketts.
After the Interval, the Byrerhythm Taiko Drummers, led by Fiona Ewen from the Timpani section of the orchestra performed with skill and aplomb ; Japanese rhythms with flair - and gusto!
The second part of the concert opened with the clarinet solo from Rhapsody in Blue, skilfully played by Robert Thomson. Foot-tappin’ was the order of the night during Lord of the Dance and I am sure that many members of the audience left humming some of the catchy Themes from Chicago! The final piece - Disney’s The Lion King Orchestral Song Suite – allowed a number of sections within the orchestra to shine, including a beautiful cor anglais solo.
Mention must be made of the enthusiasm displayed by Paul Judge in the Percussion section - he must have walked a few ‘miles’ during the evening and played every instrument in this section of the orchestra.
There were many moments of this programme to highlight in a richly rewarding evening. It was another resounding achievement for the orchestra and we look forward to their next concert - A Showtime Extravaganza – in Dundee on Saturday 19 June.