Walking into Bute Hall for Kelvin Ensemble’s Autumn concert, I felt more like an ordinary student than a music reviewer. The tall blue pillars and stained-glass windows set a dramatic backdrop for the full audience settling in.
‘It’s always really gratifying to see it all come together on the day.’
As a first-time reviewer, I was unsure what to expect, but the excitement in the room made it easy to pay attention. As I was told by a committee member, ‘It’s always really gratifying to see it all come together on the day.’
The orchestra began with Verdi’s Overture to La Forza del Destino, and the opening brass chords immediately filled the hall. Even with my limited experience, I could sense how confidently the brass announced the “Fate” motif. The pamphlet describes the overture as balancing tension and calm, and the orchestra captured that mix perfectly.
Next came Pictures at an Exhibition, the main work of the first half. Each movement felt like a little story, helped by the space’s natural echo. The lively sections, like “Tuileries,” came through sharply, while darker moments such as “Catacombs” carried real weight. The brass and percussion were especially strong, and the final movement, “The Great Gate of Kyiv,” ended with the kind of full-room impact that makes an audience applaud immediately.
‘Music adds so much to student life, but it doesn’t always get recognised by the university.’
Before the second half, the Chair delivered a series of thank-you speeches, mentioning how Kelvin Ensemble brings together students across Glasgow’s universities, which became more meaningful when a committee member later expressed the concerns raised by funding cuts, ‘Music adds so much to student life, but it doesn’t always get recognised by the university.’
The second half opened with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, which I heard most clearly in the recording. The oboe solo began with a soft, emotional tone, and the strings supported it with a shimmering tremolo underneath. As the music grew louder, the brass and timpani added power without overwhelming the rest of the orchestra.
The performance felt balanced and expressive, even from a first-time listener’s perspective. The applause that followed showed the audience felt the same.
After the performance, I spoke with Arka, a violinist who has played with the Kelvin Ensemble for four years: ‘Swan Lake is my favourite piece… I just like Tchaikovsky a lot.’
The interviews helped me understand how meaningful the performance was to the musicians, and how much pride they take in being part of the ensemble.
For my first ever orchestra review, this concert was a welcoming introduction. The first half showed bold playing and careful teamwork, while the second half created a warm emotional atmosphere. The speeches, raffle, and interviews made the evening feel personal, and the setting of Bute Hall amplified everything.
Kelvin Ensemble demonstrated not only musical commitment but also a strong sense of student community. Even as a new reviewer, it was clear how much passion goes into keeping this orchestra alive.
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