This month, we’re stepping back in time to February 1969, when the Ulster Orchestra was in the midst of its season under the baton of its charismatic Chief Conductor, Sergiu Comissiona. Captured in a striking rehearsal photograph, the orchestra, led by Meyer Stolow, was preparing for a performance of Brahms’ German Requiem with the Belfast Philharmonic Chorus.
Australian soprano Rhonda Bruce (pictured below) and English baritone Thomas Hemsley joined the orchestra at the Ulster Hall on Friday 21 February 1969 in a concert which also featured two extended arias by Mozart: Bella mia fiamma – Resta, o cara, K.528 and Io ti lascio, o cara, addio, K.621a.
Rathcol, the Belfast Telegraph’s music critic praised the performance as ‘authoritative’ and one which ‘carried great conviction.’
In 1968, Sergiu Comissiona succeeded Maurice Miles to become the Ulster Orchestra’s second Chief Conductor. His appointment was considered a major achievement for the orchestra, with Michael Whewell, then Director of the Arts Council, calling it ‘something of a coup,’ as Comissiona was in high demand by orchestras across Europe.
Although he stayed in Belfast for just one season, Comissiona was well-liked and respected by players, and is fondly remembered as a conductor who wasn’t flamboyant, but modest, letting the results speak for themselves.
His commitment to the orchestra’s growth and public engagement was evident in the programme notes he wrote for the 68/69 season, where he passionately encouraged audiences to embrace live orchestral music:
‘When people abroad talk about Northern Ireland, everyone knows about the beauty of the country, the marvellous salmon, the warm hospitality and the Irish coffee! But now Northern Ireland has another product to be proud of: the Ulster Orchestra, a group of young musicians of great artistic potential. But, we want to show our ‘group’ to every Ulster citizen! So if you’ve never been to a concert before don’t be shy, don’t be afraid of Music. Come once, twice to meet ‘her’, and you’ll see that soon afterwards Music is coming to you!
The 68-69 programme, with a fine list of guest artists and a wide repertoire, should be the pride of all citizens.
We want to be your Orchestra and you to be our friends and supporters. Come to our concerts, and you will become a Music addict!’
Almost 60 years on, this sentiment remains at the heart of the Ulster Orchestra’s mission. Comissiona's brief but impactful time with the orchestra helped to set the stage for its future, solidifying its place in the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland.
Are you ready to become a music addict? Check out what’s on and join us for a concert.
Sources: Ulster Orchestra Archive/ Rehearsal photograph reproduced with kind permission of The Deputy Keeper of the Records, PRONI (AC 12/46)