EIF – Hensel, Beethoven and Mayer at The Usher Hall

What a delight to hear such uplifting music from a marvellous, female-dominated orchestra, the Kammerorchestra Basel, featuring female composers.

I have seen an ensemble many times conducted from a keyboard, but this was the first one that I saw directed from the principal violinist’s chair. But that is exactly what the amazing Julia Schröder did with consummate control and animation. Inspiring.

The first piece was a very cheery Overture by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, the older sister of Felix Mendelssohn. Whilst short it set a lovely mood throughout the audience.

The second work was perhaps my favourite piano concerto, No 4 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Hélène Grimaud was supposed to be the soloist, completing the female theme, but unfortunately, she was ill. Seong-Jin Cho stepped in and he played the lively and thrilling piece with superb spirit.

The final piece was Emilie Mayer’s Symphony in F minor which produced a big sound of abundant energy and beauty. No wonder then that she has been described as “a female Beethoven”. Superlative.

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/kammerorchester-basel