Festival Theatre, Malvern – 18th October 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Jess Gillam’s saxophone, with Far Flung Trio’s violin, accordion and double bass… An intriguing combination.
First, Rossini’s Overture from The Barber of Seville. Anyone familiar with the opera would have been impressed with the humour and passion on show tonight. To get a full orchestra squeezed into these chamber forces was quite a feat and a surprise how effective the combination was. In fact it was amazing.
Jess Gillam took the stage for the second piece; Marcello’s Adagio and Presto from Oboe Concerto in D minor. A sumptuous concoction in which her instrument sounded amazingly like a Baroque trumpet! Showing effortless command of the music and long flowing lines; I was left to wonder how on earth Jess breathes whilst playing this stuff?
Jess introduced us to two composers whose music was unknown to me. In the first half it was Rudy Wiedoeft’s Valse Vanité. A revelation which produced at least one more fan! I had visions of Charlie Chaplin skating around a rink… Truly wonderful. Sydney Bechet’s Petite Fleur displayed his (and Jess’s) virtuosic sax tonguing techniques – thanks to the musicians for some helpfully background information from the stage. I will be seeking out Bechet’s other works/recordings, so from an artistic point of view it was job well done!
Violinist Katherine Hunka had numerous opportunities to shine including Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso with its thrilling fireworks displays and Satie’s delicate Gymnopédie No 1 including gorgeous violin harmonics. The Three Bulgarian tunes almost destroyed Katherine’s bow – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much hair hanging from a bow mid piece. Testament to an extremely passionate performance.
The first half concluded with Milhaud’s Braziliera from Scaramouche suite – a joyful carnival like atmosphere propelling us to the bar. After the interval, the evening took a dramatic turn with Nino Rota’s selection from The Godfather films. A fitting example of the range of the concert which also gave bassist Malachy Robinson the chance to show off his skills on the mandolin. After, he memorably regaled us with a humorous song that was not on the programme – “I Want To Be A Sideman” by Dave Frishberg. A most welcome addition.
All night the musicians were tighter than an unrepentant Scrooge, but the real delight was the humour which they imbued the performance – accordionist Dermot Dunne conducting with his eyebrows and using the top of the accordion as a cajon being particular joys. But, really, it was the sheer joy which they presented the music and interacted with each other that will live long in the memory.
The afternoon concluded with Danish String Quartet. Wow! What a finish. Like a snowball rolling down a hillside, so too this work. It left me wondering anew if Jess could breathe through her ears! Last but very much not least there was an encore – this time an extra special treat of a song written by Katherine about Malvern: “One for the Hills”.
So, did the ensemble forces live up to expectations? No. It far surpassed it! All I can say is what a concert. Thrilling from start to finish. I cannot recommend highly enough, nor wait for their next visit.