The reviewer for our concert on 9th November 2024, Andrew Ward said "Conductor and Music Director Rupert Bond and the 75 players tackled a bold and exciting programme with striking verve and musicality."

"The Viola soloist for the Bax Phantasy was Robin Ashwell, a very fine player and this piece was tailor-made for his heartfelt, virtuosic playing.  There are certainly challenges for the soloist  - with an abundance of tricky runs, double-stopping and trills, all done marvellously by Robin - but you get the sense that the soloist and orchestra are very much on the same journey." 

"Each of the works gave all sections of the orchestra an opportunity to shine.  Rupert Bond really showed what an orchestra can do.  He clearly knows his players well and his clear and supportive conducting  elicited controlled playing, with dynamic contrasts and an attention to detail that really brought these pieces to life.  So bravo to Rupert Bond, the Orchestra Leader Joanna Saul (borrowed from Faversham for the night) and the FSO - there could not have been a better start to their new season."

Click here to read the full review.

Please see "Forthcoming Concerts" for a list of our planned concerts for the 2024-25 Concert Season.