Take a bow, Joseph

At the age of only 18, Joseph Donmall, a pupil at Crompton House School, stole the hearts of an appreciative audience.

Joseph was the accomplished soloist in the Cello Concerto in C by Haydn in a concert given by the Oldham Symphony Orchestra led by Anne Heeks and conducted by Adam Robinson at Hulme Grammar School.

The concert had begun with a finely balanced performance of Borodin’s evocative and colourful “In the Steppes of Central Asia”.

It ended with a vibrant account of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony which left us in no doubt that this immensely powerful work springs from the heart of a man who at the time of its composition found himself having to face up to some of life’s most painful challenges, and doing so with courage and dignity.

Full marks to all concerned for this delightful musical offering on the feast day of music’s patron saint, Ceicilia.

The Oldham Symphony Orchestra’s next concert will be their annual Family Concert occasion — “An afternoon of Storytelling” at the Salvation Army, Manchester Road, Failsworth on 14th March.

GGM