Peebles Orchestra Concert – Peebles Burgh Hall

Weber Overture, Preciosa, J. 279

Mozart Minuet in C, K.409

Haydn Piano Concerto No. 11 in D, Hob. XVIII:11 (with guest pianist, Pawel Szulc)

Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 in D, Reformation, Op. 107

This evening, Peebles Orchestra, conducted by the inimitable Robert Dick (“one of the most sensitive and least clichéd conductors I have ever worked with.” – Nicola Benedetti) produced its trademark hum, buzz and bravado to a full house of appreciative music lovers. Robert Dick is an accomplished musician with a plethora of credits to his name and a host of international engagements. He freelances with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Scottish Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Scotland. It is a credit to Peebles Orchestra that he regularly conducts this talented team of players.

The evening began with Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) Overture, Preciosa, J. 279. The opening of the overture is a dramatic bolero, presented by the first violins. The gypsy march delivered an uplifting section with Morag Stevenson and Kirsteen Conway singled out for praise from the conductor.

Then came Mozart Minuet in C, K.409. Mozart’s wife, Constanze was Weber’s half-cousin and so it ever is within the arts. Everyone knows everyone else and each offers an influence to the other. As you would expect, this Mozart piece was full of lightness with an aura of playful woodland nymphs. 

Our next treat was indeed a treat. Haydn Piano Concerto No. 11 in D, Hob. XVIII:11 was performed on the piano by Pawel Szulc. Written most likely between 1780 and 1783, this concerto was for the harpsichord or fortepiano with several accompanying instruments: two oboes, two horns and strings.

Pawel Szulc (17) is about to enter the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with an RCS Trust scholarship. Peebles was his first performance with an orchestra. He played a solo recital in St Mary’s Cathedral earlier in the year.

Szulc’s dexterity is astounding. The tempo was frantic at times and I was reminded of Tom and Jerry racing merrily in tandem. His touch was flawless and, despite his nerves, this young musician danced on the keys with bright musicality to the sheer delight of the audience and the orchestra alike.

I am sure his tutor, Martin Roscoe, will be thrilled to have him on board this coming September. And all praise to the City of Edinburgh Music School and his former tutor, Naomi Kayayan for nurturing this young talent.

Post the interval came Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 in D, Reformation, Op. 107

Felix Mendelssohn’s fifth symphony was composed in 1830, when he was just twenty-one. It marked the tercentenary of the Augsburg Confession. However, it was not published until 1868, after Mendelssohn’s death.

Mendelssohn was baptised a reformed Christian but his grandfather was a well-known Jewish philosopher. This gifted composer took an abstract interest in the machinations, music and politics of religion. 

The first movement of the symphony conveys the conflict of the “Dresden Amen”. Leader, Judith Buttars (a much sought-after player in the Scottish orchestral scene who has played with Peebles Orchestra for the last ten years) did a fantastic job throughout with a smile and clear enjoyment radiating into the audience. 

The second movement was cheery and the third melancholic. The final movement introduces Luther’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) and, by God, the entire orchestra went for it! Hats off to the big guns!

Peebles Orchestra has decamped to the newly refurbished and acoustically enhanced Burgh Hall. It works well as a venue, affording adequate space to accommodate a large orchestra and enough seating for the keen musical community and audience. Orchestras like this are the backbone of professional orchestras. Peebles Orchestra has attracted folk from Edinburgh as well as across the Borders.

The beauty of Peebles Orchestra is its inclusivity and its welcoming warmth. The Orchestra recently ran a series of workshops called Orchestra for All – any player, any instrument, any ability, free of charge. It was attended by over fifty musicians.

Many young members have gone on to play professionally or to study music at tertiary level. The orchestra would welcome new players and are delighted to be joined by up-and-coming vocalist, Aaron MacGregor, for their next concert, conducted by Ross Gunning: A Night at the Musicals, Saturday 15th November, 3 pm and 7.30 pm. Bring the family. Enjoy the ambience; enjoy the lively music.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 24th May 2025

North West End UK Rating: