The Camerata RCO ensemble, whose members are strings and brass of the famous Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, introduced themselves to the Festival audience last night, 18 August in the Rector's Palace atrium with a dazzling performance of Rota and Brahms, enriching the listeners with a first-rate musical experience.
Members of Amsterdam's famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO), which was named the best orchestra in the world by the prestigious Gramophone magazine, have gathered in the Camerata RCO chamber ensemble, which also enjoys an exceptional reputation. In last night's mixed line-up, top brass and string players presented themselves to the festival audience: Marc Daniel van Biemen violin, Santa Vižine viola, Maartje-Maria den Herder cello, Lucia Mateo Calvo double bass, Luna Vigni flute, Alexander Krimer oboe, Hein Wiedijk clarinet, Emile Souvagie clarinet, Jos de Lange bassoon and Jasper de Waal horn. Their captivating ease of their highly virtuoso musicianship, as well as their absolute love for music, was already evident from the first of five movements of the extensive Nonetto by Nino Rota, the legendary Italian composer whom in the last night's programme the musicians presented outside the framework of film music, by which most people may know him best. Eclectic sound 'frames' of contrasting moods, from carefree lightness to melodrama to frenzy, were skilfully crafted by a perfectly coordinated ensemble of unquestionable tone quality, delighting everyone present. Thunderous applause echoed into Brahms' Serenade no. 1 in D major, his first published orchestral work and a tribute to the serenades and symphonies of the great masters Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert. That the Festival’s rich musical programme does not wane towards its end, but reaches a kind of a crescendo, was confirmed by the luxurious dynamics, finely refined style and inspired interpretation that crowned the impeccable technical skills of the ensemble's musicians in the performance of this composition. This exceptional musical experience was recognized and rewarded by the audience with ceaseless applause.
The next concert on the 74th Festival’ music programme will be held on the enchanting stage in front of the Cathedral where the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, on their second Festival performance of the summer, will share the stage with rising Croatian soprano Josipa Bilić and maestro Valentin Egel at the conductor’s stand. Tickets for the concert are available via the festival website www.dubrovnik-festival.hr or the service www.ulaznice.hr, at the box office in the Festival Palace (Od Sigurate 1) every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and in front of the DTS building (Vukovarska St) from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.