The Recital Centre Series presents an opportunity to hear a smaller manifestation of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra led by instrumentalist directors within the refined acoustic of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. The Series regularly achieves stellar artistic results and happily this was such an occasion. Here an excellent concert was presented under the direction of master British clarinettist Michael Collins. A well-crafted programme comprised Dvořák’s Serenade in D Minor, Op. 44, Elena Kats-Chernin’s Ornamental Air for Basset Clarinet in A and Orchestra (2007, revised 2011), Mendelssohn’s Konzertstück No 1, Op. 113 and Beethoven’s Symphony No 8 in F Major, Op 93.

Clarinettist Michael Collins directed the first work from the end desk of the ensemble that was seated in a semi-circle, was soloist for the Kats-Chernin and Mendelssohn (where he was paired with 2015 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Lloyd Van’t Hoff playing basset clarinet) and ultimately conducted the Beethoven symphony. Collins is no stranger to this hall having opened it in February 2009 with a Schubertiade. It was clear that the MSO enjoyed this musical collaboration. Under concertmaster Dale Barltrop there was an unequivocal sense of energy, keenness, pleasure and fun from the first chord to the last.

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