ST Luke’s Church, Broad Street, saw an altogether different Sunday night gathering this week; it was an evening of programmes and pews for Swindon Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the year.

New Town Swindon may not yet be much associated with classical music, but SSO are certainly flying the flag. Their spring concert was dedicated to 3 nationally-inspired composers - Smetana, Elgar and Dvorak. The thirty-strong ensemble gave a rousing performance in front of an undeniably full and fervent church hall.

The best known of the 3 pieces, Elgar’s Cello Concerto, featured young guest soloist Tom McMahon, continuing in the tradition of beginning his professional career with a piece from the very end of Elgar’s. Unexpectedly for a ‘new kid on the block’ McMahon played with sensitivity and restraint, avoiding the common pitfall of ‘muscling through’ the naturally ‘flashy’ piece. The orchestra, meanwhile, took the chance to play the accompanist and provided a responsive support for McMahon’s melodies that equalled their up-front playing.

At its conclusion, the performance received a roar from the audience that nearly toppled the communion wine... Very strong indeed.

Concert proceeds will go to benefit the Mayor’s chosen charities (Prospect Hospice and the Goldenhar Trust).

Ben Dunn is a Marketing & Promotions Assistant for Swindon Theatres. He also runs SWINDONARTSBLOG. For more info see: www.swindonartsblog.wordpress.com