Review: Hallé Orchestra Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus

The City Hall is unusually full and the buzz of expectation turns to applause as a new, young conductor strides to the stage. She acknowledges this expectation briefly, but turns to fulfil it with the promised Beethoven symphony.

His first is also hers as Ewa Strusinska is new to the City Hall, but she directs the Hall in a lively interpretation of it.

The choir have also been expectant and after the interval do not have to wait long. They seem to lean forward as one body when Strusinska raises her baton for Brahms's Requiem; the singers seemingly inspired to do their best for her.

The opening Selig Sind is a model of clarity and radiates the empathy with grief that Brahms strove for; the second chorus is a little rushed, but wait: Strusinska brings chorus, orchestra and the excellently dramatic baritone David Stout together, turning the next few choruses into an expressive treasure-house – we almost feel that death is defeated.

She adds in the beautifully clear yet strong tones of the soprano Amy Freston and we feel wonderfully comforted.

Sheffield City Hall