Ovation as Wong ushers in new era for orchestra

A NEW chapter in Nottingham's musical history opened on Saturday night.

- WILLIAM RUFF

The Hallé, for many years Nottingham Classics' resident orchestra, has a new chief conductor and this was his first appearance on the podium of the Royal Concert Hall.

In his pre-concert interview Kahchun Wong talked about his life and approach to music. It was, to say the least, wide-ranging: growing up (and playing the trumpet) in Singapore; his inspirational training in Berlin; his musical passions (Tchaikovsky, Mahler...for their 'juicy trumpet bits') and his enthusiasm for cultures across the world (e.g. his love of all things Scottish, especially single malt whiskies). He spoke with charm, modesty, a penetrating intelligence and much good humour. It all bodes very well for the Hallé's future.