Super performance of Elgar masterpiece

A PACKED audience in St John’s were treated to an astonishingly mature performance of Elgar’s ‘Cello concerto by the prodigiously talented Miriam Brown.

It was as if the young Miriam had grasped the hand of the aging Elgar and brought to life the deep emotional content of this wonderful composition.

It is without question a masterpiece and Miriam’s eloquent interpretation gave everybody a superb musical experience.

So it was not surprising that she received an overwhelming standing ovation.

The soloist was ably supported by the young musicians of the Peak District Strings and the City of Sheffield Senior Schools Orchestra who coped courageously with the rather chilly ambience of St John’s in midwinter.

Their dialogue with the ‘cello in the third movement was particularly effective.

In addition to the Elgar the orchestras also performed Vaughan Williams’ well-known Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and some excerpts from Dvorak’s 8th Symphony.

It is heartening to find youngsters with such abundant musical talent.

Peter Low