Brilliant ballet scores

A Night at the Russian Ballet, Halle Orchestra, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
YET another sparkling performance from a world-class orchestra which has its home on Oldham’s doorstep.

Conductor Benjamin Pope teased some of the best-known and most popular ballet music from the instruments of the Halle Orchestra in the latest of this season’s pops concerts.

Much of the music chosen is well recognised from the world of film and TV, and Pope called on his skills honed from extensive work with ballet companies throughout the world to conduct a brilliant and exacting performance.

Popular pieces came from seven ballets including Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Khachaturian’s “Spartacus” and possibly the most famous, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”.

The programme chosen gave a wonderful opportunity for a smattering of solo harp movements, an enchanting, rippling sound which was among the highlights of the evening.

Other solo spots which showcased the unquestionable quality of the musicians included orchestra leader Lyn Fletcher on the violin, in a piece from “Spartacus”, also used as the theme tune for the TV series “The Onedin Line”, and some dextrous trumpet playing from Tom Osborne in the “Spanish Dance Bolero” from “Swan Lake”.

The acoustics in the Bridgewater Hall go a long way towards making this one of the best places to see the Halle, and perfect to listen to the majestic music of Tchaikovsky in “Swan Lake” — my favourite part of the evening.

Pope’s personable character added to the enjoyment as he chatted away in-between pieces, regaling his audience with amusing tales from his days on stage with various ballet companies.

A wonderful evening, with a well-chosen programme whipping up fancies in the imagination of ballet dancers flitting across the stage as the musicians played.