David Smythe, Bachtrack, 5th August 2017
★★★★
“Gershwin’s An American in Paris was a colourful opener, the players immersing themselves into the spirit of Parisian daytime bustle with motor horns and bluesy nights. With double woodwinds and seventeen brass players, the sound was rich and powerful, Francis drawing big sweeps with his arms, yet producing the tiniest detail from the lively score, the percussionists in particular working hard. Excellent solo work from clarinet, oboe, violin and trumpet, not to mention the sleazy saxophone trio, drew a series of sparkling vignettes, yet the overall exuberance was never allowed to get out of control.”
