Review: Prague Symphony Orchestra at Sheffield City Hall
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto came to life afresh under the fingers of extraordinarily talented violinist Chloë Hanslip. Her rapport with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, with whom she has a long-standing relationship, was evident throughout at the concert in Sheffield City Hall
In the exquisitely still second movement you could have heard a feather drop. Cadenzas were breathtaking, with high notes crystal clear.
Either side of this captivating performance, was music from the orchestra’s home country: Ŝárka, one of six symphonic poems from Smetana’s Má Vlast (My Country) and Dvořák’s Symphony No 8, with its birdsong and folk melodies. Conductor, Pietari Inkinen, danced on the podium and the orchestra responded with beautifully-phrased, lyrical and exuberant playing.
We were treated to two encores: a Dvořák Slavonic Dance followed by a Brahms Hungarian Dance, the latter executed with humour and panache.
Photo by Benjamin Ealovega