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Reviews  -  David Alker, Musical Opinion The following review was written after a performance by the NPO in St James's Church, Piccadilly. 'For a real breath of fresh air you can do no better than indulge yourself in a concert given by The New Professionals. Founded by two young and energetic musicians, Rebecca Miller, who conducts the group, and pianist Danny Driver, this twenty-odd piece orchestra made up of students from London Conservatoires brought challenging and unusual repertoire to my ears at their concert in St James's Church in Piccadilly on 8 March. Indeed, it was a case of Eastern Europe meets Latin America with the group's beguiling mix of works that slapped me in the face and commanded my attention, not least by their uncompromising performance style. Opening with Martinu's Concertino for Piano Trio, the dramatic and incisive nature of the work was meted out with a dynamic and rhythmic pulse of great intensity. Violinist Shlomy Dobrinsky added fire and brimstone to the pot of hot tonal colours coming from fellow solo Trio members cellst Oliver Coates and the dextrous Danny Driver. This breathtaking work was a great collaboration of solo and orchestral textures, perfectly sewn together by Rebecca Miller. Alberto Ginastera's Concerto for Strings is full of surprises. A five-string double bass brought an extraordinary range of techniques from Ben Russell who played with great alacrity and enthusiasm, and while the Adagio was full of tension, dissipated towards the end by pizzicato figures in the bass, the Finale Furioso was delivered with tremendous bite. Villa-Lobos' Ninth Bachianas Brasileiras was evenly tempered and pleasingly paced. Full of rhythmic variety and vitality the work was shaped into a delightful Brazilian evocation by a sensitive and heartfelt performance. Rich yet translucent sonorities from the group's deeply intense playing opened a well of emotion from Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Despite episodes that were a little brutal at times the whole was invigorating. The New Professionals is a band that attests the quality of musicians that are flowing out of our musical institutions. Their performance combined maturity with youthful vigour and vitality that left fresh insights into familiar works and reaped untold rewards from the unfamiliar.' David Alker, Musical Opinion

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