A HANDFUL of the four dozen operettas composed by Francesco Ezechiele Ermengildo Cavaliere di Suppe Demelli - otherwise known as Franz von Suppe - are occasionally staged. Suppe’s overtures remain in the orchestral repertory as much loved concert curtain raisers or encores.

The Airedale Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Anderson enthused a capacity audience with the rumbustious Overture to Poet and Peasant. At its heart - a haunting solo cello and a yearning Viennese Waltz given full rein by the orchestra.

Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major cast the spotlight on Kazakh-born virtuoso Galya Bisengalieva. The tenderness of her playing seemed to underline an enduring rapport with this orchestra and conductor. Textures were clear and carefully balanced so as not to submerge the delicately contoured solo line. There was richness and exuberance aplenty in Bisengalieva’s realisation of the gypsy folk idiom of the finale.

After the interval, Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 in E minor “From the New World” showcased every section of the ASO. John Anderson’s tempos and dynamic contrasts caught the drama of the music and he coaxed a singing quality from the strings. This was particularly attractive in the Trio section of the third movement. There was plenty of drama in the weighty brass fanfares and percussion. The Adagio movement’s soulful theme was expressed by a finely sculpted solo cor anglais. A triumphal coda with the brass in full flight ended the symphony in a blaze of glory; but the long sustained diminuendo on Dvorak’s final chord imparts a moment of sadness.

The Airedale Symphony Orchestra’s next King’s Hall concert is on Sunday, June 24 at 3pm. This will be a family concert packed with novelties and a few surprises.

Geoffrey Mogridge