James Ross / Umsagnir

'The Chamber Orchestra did well to make such a tricky start in St. Andrew's, where every note is heard. It coped admirably with the abrupt changes of pace and mood, and with conductor James Ross's aptly chosen rubatos [Kodaly, Dances of Galanta]. Ensemble was impressively tight, as it was throughout the concert. ... Aaron Coplands's ballet Appalachian Spring (played in its entirety) is lengthy, complex and demanding. James Ross unfolded its spacious vernacular to perfection, its hill-billy, homespun routines and its moments of tenderness. The orchestra worked hard for him, playing with power and intensity, yet also with enthralling finesse.'

Berlioz's dramatic cantata The Damnation of Faust received an outstanding performance at the Haslemere Musical Society's spring concert under Dr James Ross. Soloists, chorus and orchestra excelled in this extraordinary work.’