Review of Beethoven's Heirs

Three classics at the Theatre

Hilary Davan Wetton and the Milton Keynes City Orchestra brought together three of the finest pieces of classical music in a memorable concert at the Theatre last Saturday. A large and totally rapt audience heard two of the greatest symphonies inspired by Beethoven - Schubert's "Unfinished" with its glorious tunes and Brahms first symphony, an Everest amongst classical music. Wetton coaxed gloriously enjoyable performances of both works from an intense group of professional players who are such a credit to Milton Keynes. The highlight of the concert for the audience, however, was the return of the Korean violinist So-Ock Kim, replacing Chloe Hanslip at very short notice, in Mendelssohn's ever-popular concerto.  Her Milton Keynes debut earlier in the season showed what a talent we have in this slight, pretty oriental but her interpretation of the Mendelssohn showed that she has intellectual depths as well as a brilliant technique. The audience exploded with enthusiasm at the end of a remarkable performance and it is to be hoped that she will return soon. This was a concert that gave great credit to the orchestra, the theatre and the generous sponsors DRS Data & Research from Linford Wood.

Reviewer:  Roy Tipping