Fireworks Concert

Fireworks Concert

IT MUST be frustrating for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra – and this year for their choir too: they play and sing  brilliantly for the Festival finale but never actually see the glorious firework display.

They can't   sway to  Music for  the Royal Fireworks as dancing golden spirals swirl overhead or lustily sing along with the Hallelujah Chorus as the last of four tonnes of explosives wing their way heavenwards in a symphony of shimmering stars.

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of Handel's death, the SCO under Matthew Halls treated us to a programme of exhilarating music, including Zadok the Priest, excerpts from the Music   for the Royal Fireworks and The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

The synchronisation of music with 100,000 fireworks was as stunning as ever.

This year, with various unemployed family and friends, the conversation drifted into speculation as to how much money was going up in stars. We figured it might  cost a lot less than a top banker's annual bonus so is undoubtedly money well spent.

Handel was depressed about serious debt when he wrote  Messiah. Its surprising success lifted his spirits and his fortunes.  Many watching will be hoping for similar magical outcome sometime soon.