It’s always a pleasure to hear trumpet and organ together, especially when played, as it was on this occasion, by arguably this country’s foremost exponents of their respective instruments: Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Trumpet David Elton and St George’s Cathedral’s Organist and Master of the Choristers, Joseph Nolan.

David Elton and Joseph Nolan. Photo © Russell Barton

That being said, despite the extraordinary musicianship and level of technical accomplishment exhibited by both artists, their chosen repertoire tended towards the lighter side, the program almost comprising a succession of (admittedly lengthy) encores. 

Thus while one could appreciate the beauty and brightness of the playing, one longed for something more interesting, such as Jolivet’s Arioso Barocco or a selection of arrangements from Bach’s cantatas. (Elton and Nolan may well have done exactly this in the past – if so, forgive my ignorance.)

This however was a sellout concert, and the enthusiastic applause following Jeremiah Clarke’s Suite for Trumpet and Organ, Sir George Thalben-Ball’s Elegy, Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe, five of the...