Review

Julian Sykes, Le Temps, 25th May 2016

“Michael Francis had chosen two English composers of the 20th century to compliment the programme – a happy combination. Combining elegance and ardour , the British conductor gave the utmost expressiveness to the Fantasie on a Theme of Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams without lapsing into sentimentality. There is even a choreographic dimension with the string orchestra divided into two groups, the smallest set apart, positioned at the front of the stage (nine players). The quartet formed of the first desks, with the dialogue from violist Eli Karanfilova violist and violinist François Sochard, were particularly invested…

Crowning the evening, the ingenious Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge by Britten produced a great effect. Each variation is finely characterized, with the spirit of virtuosity and breezes of lyricism sometimes so poignant (the “Funeral March”)…It just goes to show what a cleverly crafted programme of twentieth century music can be to an enthusiastic public!”