With borders and travel restrictions still in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic, orchestras have been turning to the musicians within their own ranks as soloists, resulting in programs like this beautifully presented showcase of popular works by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by a stripped-back Sydney Symphony Orchestra led by Concertmaster Andrew Haveron. Here we had a chance to get up close and personal with some of the orchestra’s long-time players in a more intimate setting than the orchestra’s all-Beethoven concert at the Sydney Town Hall several weeks ago.

Andrew Haveron

Bach’s Orchestral Suite No 2 remains popular in concert – Bach Akademie Australia gave an excellent period instrument account with Mikaela Oberg in 2019 – but flute soloist Emma Sholl and the SSO demonstrated why it’s so well loved in this performance at City Recital Hall. Those who lived through the turn of the millennium are unfortunately cursed with the association of the Badinerie from Bach’s BWV 1067 suite with the nasal timbre of a popular Nokia ringtone – fitting then, that in the quiet moment as the musicians drew breath, a mobile phone should chime from within the City Recital...