The RTO Christmas Party

Although not strictly a sell-out (since there were no tickets to sell) we had a bumper crowd for this least formal of RTO events on December 6th. The musical director decided to restrict the orchestra to a modest programme, including Entry of the Gladiators by Julius Fucik, Prokoviev’s Troika and not much else, thus throwing the floor open to individual and small group efforts. Our founder, Alexander McCall Smith, didn’t quite steal the show with his brass ensemble, but his sousaphone got a big hand, especially from those helping to release the famous author from the instrument later on.

One of the highlights was undoubtedly the oboe section’s rendition of a well known but difficult to identify tune - look out for this talented lot next April! Also stunning was German violinist Felicitas Macfie who treated the hushed auditorium to a Schubert piano duet with game RTO accompanist Margaret Anderson. There was relief all round when mother of six Felicitas announced she would be returning to her first love in New York – and her violin!

It was generally agreed that the controversial introduction of a klaxon bell to cut short the truly cacophonous had been a huge success on the night and saved many from further embarrassment (see ‘string trio 2007’ in player biogs).

The RTO’s final concert before the world tour will be a dress rehearsal on March 25th at our Edinburgh home, St George’s School for Girls. All welcome.