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Perhaps because this programme had been played the night before in Masterton, this was the Wellington Orchestra's most polished playing of the year. The programme was rewarding. The inclusion of a major Haydn symphony to conclude the concert was more daring, and more interesting, than the Tangazo by Astor Piazzolla that opened proceedings. The tango-drenched music of Piazzolla was all the rage about 10 years ago, and his Tangazo was premiered in Washington in 1970. Not his best work, full of colour, but even with three dancers from Footnote Dance - rather too decorous - and some fine string playing, this was underwhelming. The rest of the concert was superb. Michael Houstoun has never played better. This performance of Beethoven's poetic masterpiece - the Fourth Piano Concerto - was special. Poetry and temperament in perfect balance inflected relaxed, yet crisply stylish, playing. Houstoun was in control of his instrument. His mastery of dynamics, so crucial in this concerto, was breathtaking. The orchestra backed him with playing to match. The audience responded with fervour. Including Haydn's final symphony - 1795's No 104 - was a masterstroke. This major symphony deserves a place at the centre of a concert, and Taddei drew from his players a performance of real authority and mastery. The drama of the work was played to the hilt, underpinned by stunningly secure trumpets and horns. The string playing was stylish and immensely secure. Beautiful sound and wonderful balances rounded out the year's finest playing from this rapidly developing orchestra. WHAT: Vector Wellington Orchestra conducted by Marc Taddei with Michael Houstoun (piano), Footnote Dance. Music by Piazzolla, Beethoven and Haydn.
WHERE: Wellington Town Hall, Saturday By JOHN BUTTON - The Dominion Post
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