From the Dundee Courier 19 Sept 2005
Tayside Symphony Orchestra attracted a large audience for their concert in the Reid Hall, Forfar, on Saturday 17th September. Under the direction of Ron Walker, they provided an excellent evening's entertainment, much appreciated by all.
There were three items in the programme; first, the "Holberg Suite" by Grieg, for strings only. This well-known piece was tackled with enthusiasm and no little skill…..
What followed was a wonderful performance of the "Sinfonia Concertante" by Mozart - although there has been dispute for more than 200 years whether Mozart himself actually wrote it. The orchestra is very fortunate to have four really top-class soloists in Christine Allan (Horn), Geoffrey Bridge (Oboe), Aileen Taylor (Bassoon) and Robert Thomson (Clarinet); this demanding work could have been written for them! Not only did they play superbly as individuals, but their ensemble was marvellous; they clearly relished the opportunity to shine, and just as clearly listened to each other closely. They were excellently supported by the whole orchestra, and Ron Walker brought out the best in everyone. It was an electrifying performance.
After the interval, we listened to Joseph Haydn's Symphony no. 104, the "London", excellently played ….
There was much praise amongst the audience afterwards for the whole concert - richly deserved. The TSO sets very high standards, and it is sometimes difficult to remember that it is an amateur orchestra.