The Bell Centre rings with the sound of violins

Photo: Stilfehler

From the front of the balcony at the Bell Centre for Performing Arts, we absorbed the pristine sounds of a dozen violins, three cellos and and a bass.

The first part of the concert was a Concerto Grosso by Arcangelo Cortelli, followed by Telemann's Don Quixote Suite. Both pieces were conducted by violin virtuoso Dale Barltrop. Don Quixote was narrated in a dramatic and humorous fashion by Alessandro Juliani.

In the second half, VSO Concertmaster Barltrop electrified the audience with his solos as the string orchestra played a gorgeous rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, on which he also gave a brief commentary.

The large audience -- the auditorium was nearly full -- received the evening's inspired music with a well-deserved standing ovation.

The Bell Centre is the only concert hall I've been in that has no stage curtains. But by now I've got used to the satiny shimmer of the light wooden panels that stand in place of draped velvet.