Musical Jewels at Tweed Heads – from the Tweed Valley Weekly (published 27th March 2025)
By Madeleine Murray
NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA will present an exciting afternoon for lovers of classical music on Sunday, April 13, at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.
The featured works are by Glinka, Saint-Saëns, and Beethoven.
Guest conductor Warwick Potter spoke to The Weekly about the program.
“Glinka’s overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla is an orchestral showpiece: its power lies in its technical flair and high tempo vivacity,” he said.
“Beethoven’s powerful Fifth Symphony is timeless. From its famous and notorious opening four-note motif to the brilliance and light of its closing C major chords, this symphony retains its freshness, vitality, strength, subtlety, and magnificence.”
William Bland will be the soloist in Saint-Saëns cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor.
“I’ve grown to love playing this concerto because it is so theatrical,” William told The Weekly.
“It has a very charming demeanour, particularly when the lusciously romantic melodies are introduced. At no point does it try to be profound.
“I like to think of this piece as a tour through the French countryside, starting with a thunderous introduction and then digressing into a quaint folk-like waltz, reminiscent of walking through cobbled streets squeezed between stone cottages.
“The furore returns, like dark clouds brooding over rolling vineyards, and then it erupts into a triumphant conclusion. It’s wonderfully written for both the cello and orchestra which makes it a joy to play, and I’m incredibly excited to get the chance to perform it.”
This concert will be William’s Australian concerto debut.
Not only is the NRSO an outstanding orchestra, but it is a great opportunity for young musicians to play with a professional orchestra.
William is a Brisbane-based cellist and part time electric bass tragic. He has played with orchestras, bands, chamber groups and performed as a soloist across Australia, working with organisations including ensemble Q and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“I’ve been focusing on funk music with the electric bass and also tend to dabble with pop, rock and R&B. I often get together and jam with friends,” he said.
The NRSO Musical Jewels is at 2:30 pm, Sunday, April 13, at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, corner Brett and Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. For tickets go to nrso.com.au, or Murwillumbah Music, or at the door if available. Inquiries 0478 012 324.