Fitting finale to classic season
The Ulster Orchestra's season traditionally ends on a special note, and it did so last night in the Waterfront Hall as Ulsterman Kenneth Montgomery made his last appearance as principal conductor.
Montgomery guided the orchestra through a varied programme, which began with the evergreen Ruslan and Lyudmilla, and then featured the distinguished soloist Louis Lortie, whose commanding performance etched all the intricate delicacies of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 26.
The main work was Tchaikovsky's powerful Fifth Symphony in which Kenneth Montgomery emphasised the haunting element of this great work as well as its fire and passion as it moves towards its irresistible climax.
Afterwards orchestra chairman Sir Desmond Rea paid tribute to Montgomery for his creative stewardship over the past three years.
Alf McCreary, Belfast Telegraph, 05/10
