Here's another review of Saturday's concert, this time from Christopher Irvin Browne: The concert was a celebration of the wide repertoire that is the hallmark of this particular orchestra. Yes, it was a traditional format : Overture, Concerto & Symphony, but each piece was delivered with exemplary commitment and accomplishment. There have to be challenges for the listener too. Verdi’s Overture The Force of Destiny anticipates a dramatic night ahead in the opera house, or in this case the concert hall. We were eased into an engrossing musical feast ahead. George Blakesley excelled as the soloist in Weber’s sparkling Clarinet Concerto No.1. This was music to entertain on a warm summer’s evening. There was even some delicate duetting between oboe and clarinet. All was faultlessly supported by the accompanying orchestra. A huge orchestra in a rather restricted venue was always going to be challenge when presenting an epic symphony like Elgar’s 1st. The brass and percussion could be heard strongly over the strings. The woodwind were perhaps not so fortunate. The orchestration is rather dense by today’s standards, but the string writing is sublime. This was to be Jonathan Whitehead’s swansong as Leader after four years at the helm (he’ll continue though to play in the orchestra), a position he has performed with distinction, as proven by tonight’s performance. There is so much to relish in this piece with its noble opening theme. The lush sonorities of the Adagio were particularly effective. The music throughout has an almost filmic quality, and presages the century ahead. The Allegro molto could almost foreshadow Bliss’ Things to Come and even the music of John Williams. And all this in 1908 – no wonder it caused such an instant success, with one foot in imperial nostalgia and the other in an uncertain future (and how prescient was that!). The success of orchestras is often down to a few dedicated volunteers. And so it is with Todmorden Orchestra: after 38 years of remarkable service, John and Jennifer Moorhouse are handing over most administrative duties to others (but will continue as playing members). A huge thank you – and Life Membership - was bestowed on them by truly grateful players and audience. Another evening of great music-making, under maestro Nicholas Concannon Hodges. (fb)

Last night’s concert marked both the end of our current season, and some important contributions to the orchestra 🌟 We said a big thank you to Jonathan Whitehead who has decided to step down as our leader after four fantastic years. And we gave life membership to our Chair and Secretary, John and Jenny Moorhouse, as they step back from their roles after 38 years. Together they have organised well over 100 concerts and contributed so much to the orchestra and to Todmorden. We’re delighted that all three will continue to play with us in the orchestra. And we can’t thank them enough. And a special thank you to our lovely audience for your support and enthusiasm on a warm summer evening. (fb)