Madeira's Carnival Concert 2018

The Madeira Classical Orchestra has much to contend with at their annual carnival concert. There is much clowning around from members of the youth theatre in different guises, as well as members of the orchestra itself. In fancy dress, the three percussionists interrupted the programme to perform a very entertaining hand-clapping routine. In between the japes, the standard of playing was as fabulous as ever.

The Spanish guest conductor, Pablo Urbina, at just 29 has an amazing track record. He's conducted orchestras in Europe, America and Asia, and is currently the music director of London City Orchestra. The 90-minute concert was as entertaining as it was polished. It's the first time we have been to see them playing in the Congress Centre next door to the Casino, but it clearly has a far greater audience capacity than the theatre, and there were few if any empty seats.

My collage shows the percussionists' japes, swirly-skirted youth theatre dancers, and the conductor thanking the orchestra's first violinist.