An almost all-Mozart programme attracted a large and attentive audience to the Colosseum for this, the last concert of the 2009 season by the English Classical Players, conducted by Jonanthan Brett. The works were played in the order of their composition. An ingenious opening choice was Mozart’s Divertimento in D major, an early work. It is a deceptively simple example of Mozart’s style, in which lively and polished playing fully justified its lasting popularity.

Next came the Symphonia Concertante in E flat major, for violin and viola, written in 1779. Mozart, then 23, was well on the way to maturity as a composer. The comparatively unusual pairing of violin and viola, played by Alison Kelly and Stephen Shakeshaft as soloists, provided an expressive variety of tone, in sonorous partnership with the orchestra. But perhaps, needed something more at the climax of the slow movement.

The Horn Concerto No.4 in E flat major, is deservedly popular, especially considering that it was written for a much simpler instrument than is used today. One could only relect that few things in music are quite as exposed as in Hugh Seenan’'s spectacular playing.

A further augmented orchestra was required for the Symphony No.40 in G minor. The brilliant writing (especially for woodwind), constructive harmonic tensions, clear counterpoint and fine orchestral tone were all rendered convincingly. As an encore, responding to the enthusistic applause, Jonathan Brett and the orchestra played three Short Pieces composed in 2009 by Maria Antal. These were very agreeable - and brought the programme into the present day. We were looking not only some two centuries back, but forward, as established users of the Colosseum should do. From (probably) April 2010, the hall is to be closed for at least a year for refurbishment. Discussion at the pre-concert lecture by Jonathan Brett had expressed much concern among the musical public of Watford about the prospects for professional orchestral concerts such as this when it reopens. Until then, public opinion should make itself felt to Watford Council and HQ Theatres, and through the Watford Observer.

Graham Mordue