Romance and Revolution — There are evenings when music feels larger than life — when every note seems to vibrate through the hall with purpose and passion. Saturday, 4th October 2025, at West Road Concert Hall, was one of those nights. The Sampson Orchestra of Cambridge, under the baton of Darrell Davison, delivered a concert that lived up to its bold title: Romance and Revolution.
From the very first swell of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, the orchestra enveloped the audience in sound that was tender one moment and thunderous the next. Strings pulsed with emotion as the tragic lovers’ theme soared — a perfect curtain‑raiser for an evening exploring passion, defiance, and drama in all their musical forms.
Then came Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by the brilliant Catherine Chang. From the sparkling brilliance of the outer movements to the lyrical serenity of the slow movement, Catherine’s playing was captivating — poised yet full of character. Her rapport with the orchestra was immediate and electric, earning a well‑deserved ovation and smiles all round.
After the interval, Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 took centre stage. Davison led a gripping performance that captured the symphony’s sweeping grandeur and biting intensity. The orchestra played with thrilling precision — brass blazing in triumph, woodwinds dancing with wit, and strings surging with emotion. The finale drew the audience to its feet in unanimous applause, a fitting climax to a night defined by bold contrasts and boundless energy.
“Romance and Revolution” was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of the orchestra’s spirit — fearless, expressive, and deeply connected to its audience. For those of us lucky enough to be there, it felt like a reminder of why we love live music: that perfect blend of human emotion and orchestral power that lingers long after the final note.
Romance & Revolution