Classical concert: Sinfonia Viva at the Royal Concert Hall

On a cold afternoon in January, Sinfonia Viva filled the stalls of the Royal Concert Hall with warmly enthusiastic and appreciative concert goers in search of Eastern European music. Led by the outstanding violinist Sophie Rosa, Sinfonia Viva delighted us with three pieces, one each from Bartok, Suk and Dvorak in a vibrant Matinee performance.

Béla Bartók composed his Romanian Folk Dances in 1915 for solo piano, and reworked it for orchestra two years later. It is a set of six pieces based on folk tunes that would have originally been played on fiddle or fife.  It was fitting that this version featured only string instruments; violin, viola, cello and double bass. The playing was excellent, the group acting as a tight unit and producing a more expansive sound than numbers might have allowed.   

Suk’s Meditation on the old Czech hymn St Wenceslas, is essentially a plea for the wellbeing of his homeland. It is made more poignant in that it was written in September 1914 against the background of World War 1 and aggressive Austrian Imperialism. Just two days after its completion the work was premiered at the Rudolfinum, the day before the traditional Feast of St Wenceslas, celebrated on 28 September. Suk was evidently eager to have his new piece performed as soon as he could, writing out the parts himself. There was much to admire in the impressive playing of the Viva musicians as a professionally coordinated unit and then the brilliance of the soloist, interweaving like a needle and thread.

The first two pieces were short, just six or so minutes each. The final piece, Dvoraks Serenade for Strings stretched out to 33 minutes.  Several of the themes that made the Bartok and Suk so rich and enjoyable, were strongly in evidence in the Serenade. The tight knit playing that underpinned everything gave way to fluidity and exuberance when the mood demanded it. The expansive panorama created belied the relatively modest number of performers. The bright notes of the violas and violins dancing over the more sweeping and darker tones of the Cellos and Double Basses.

Overall, a most enjoyable matinee concert with a good sprinkling of youngsters attending. Reduced admission charges and an audience friendly format are to be welcomed (including the time and day of performance). Sinfonia Viva are to be applauded. 

Sinfonia Viva played at the Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 19 January 2025.