Tchaikovsky: As fate would have it in St Bartholemews by Sussex Symphony Orchestra

Peter Ilyich wasn’t the cheeriest of chaps and after a marriage to the mad Milyukova and the equivalent of online dating (they never actually met) with von Meck, he composed theses surprisingly cheery pieces.

First, thanks to my friend Andy Wooler, not only for getting me a ticket but also a front row seat. St Barts is a Brighton landmark, as tall as the pier is long, a huge brick box that towers above the North Lanes. Inside it’s a single long nave with Byzantine type mosaics. Fantastic venue.

Capriccio Italien got us off to a lively start. I was literally in the lap of the violin section, which was fabulous, as I could hear every note. Then a Rococo theme for Cello, played by Pavlos Carvalho. Again, I could almost touch him. Finally, Symphony No. 4. As fate would have it, the orochestra were crammed into one  narrow end of the church and maybe this is why they sounded so forceful. 

Great evening in a great setting by the wonderful Sussex Symphony Orchestra, who played beautifully. Their hearts were in this performance. Thanks again Andy.