Review of Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto at King’s Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange

Reviewer Andy Tyler shares his thoughts on the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert which brought King’s Lynn Festival to a close…

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s recent concert at Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange, with Adam Hickox conducting, and Bartholomew Lafollette as soloist in Elgar’s Cello Concerto proved to be a thrilling finale to this year’s successful King’s Lynn Festival.

The audience, filling the venue, reacted warmly to the impressive performances of Mendelssohn’s Overture to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor and Dvorak’s glorious Eighth Symphony.

Adam Hickox, born in 1996, leads a successful and full career, has conducted many orchestras here and abroad, and being appointed principal conductor of The Glyndebourne Sinfonia will see him conducting opera productions and concert performances as part of their autumn seasons 2024 and 2025.

His graceful technique on the podium and passionate, but always insightful, interpretations of the works performed delighted all present!

Bartholomew Lafollette gave a far-from-routine performance of Elgar’s well-known and much-loved Cello Concerto, he was emotionally involved with the music throughout, passionate, playful and lyrical when appropriate, and technically assured. Another musician leading a successful, multifaceted international career.

I was pleased the concert finished with Dvorak’s 8th Symphony, a favourite of mine, not so often played as his more famous ‘New World Symphony’, but full of Czech beauty, originality, lyricism and passion.

All sections of this fine orchestra played with prowess throughout the concert, founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham.

Bravo to the performers, concert sponsors, and all involved with the King’s Lynn Festival, in front of, and behind the scenes, for another superb season!

Review by Andy Tyler