Concert captures the passion of Spain

Espana, Halle Orchestra, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

SEA, sun and sangria we did not get. Instead this brilliant orchestra painted a world of essential Spain, using nothing other than passion and sheer talent.

Toreadors, matadors, raging bulls, flamenco dancers and a sultry Spanish seductress, you name it, we had it.

Manchester can be rightly proud of this world-class orchestra which delivered a near flawless concert, the last in this season’s “pops”, which aim to bring the popular classics to the masses.

There will be few unfamiliar with the music from Bizet’s “Carmen,” even if they have never seen the opera.

The second half of the concert held just two pieces, a rousing selection from “Carmen,” which offered a perfect opportunity for mezzo-soprano Barbara Rearick to show just what she is made of, and Ravel’s magnificent “Bolero.”

The repetitive tune which starts with a rhythm introduced on a side drum and gradually builds up with a whole array of brass and wind instruments to an explosive crescendo is mesmerising and almost primeval in its effect, and always proves a deservedly popular addition to any programme.

Uncharacteristically for conductor John Wilson, he stayed virtually mute, with his only verbal connection with his audience coming as an introduction to the last piece.

It was a shame, because we have come to expect an easy patter from this popular and exacting Geordie, who normally regales with fact-filled and amusing anecdotes as an introduction to each piece of music.

Nevertheless, you can always rely on Wilson to pull something special out of the bag, and this time it was guitarist Craig Ogden, who gave a show-stopping performance of Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”.

He treated us to a showing of his incredible talent, in an unmistakably and essentially Spanish piece of music, incredibly written by a composer who lost his sight at the age of three and wrote it in braille for an instrument he freely admitted he was never able to master.

Wilson constantly seems to get the best the Halle has to offer. Right from the first note of the evening it was a razor sharp show — the more demanding the conductor, the more this wonderful orchestra appears to rise to the challenge.

If you can chance to see this special combination then don’t hesitate. It’s a great night out.