Review - April 20, 2013 Concert

The fourth and final Concert of the season on Saturday, April 20, 2013, was, in the opinion of a great many of the concertgoers, "brilliant." The opening selection, "Intermezzo and Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffmann" by Jacques Offenbach was played by the Orchestra with a vitality that did this work proud.  Many of us were very familiar with the "Barcarolle" and were delighted to have an opportunity to hear the "Intermezzo" as well. 

In keeping with the energy that had already been generated, composer Charles Fernandez took the baton to conduct his "Suite from 'The Statue' Ballet." This never before performed cinematic-type work is simply breathtaking in the excitement it generates. The audience thanked Fernandez and the Orchestra with appreciative applause.

If you had seen Daniel Grab perform the Haydn Cello Concerto at the March 2012 Concert, you knew that the next piece by Tchaikovsky, "Variations on a Rococo Theme," was going to be something special, and it was. Played superbly by Daniel, you could have heard a pin drop.This gorgeous music was sheer perfection to our ears. The applause was tremendous; and our wonderful young cellist received three curtain calls and a standing ovation. He then favored the audience with an impeccable performance of the Prelude to Bach's Suite #3 for Solo Cello. It brought the "house" down!

Maestro Domine selected as the finale Tchaikovsky's Symphony #3 in D major (the "Polish"), a great but rarely played or heard work. Those of us who were fortunate enough (or wise enough) to attend this Concert have definitely heard it now, and we thank the Maestro for making us aware of it. Under his direction, the Orchestra performed the five movements beautifully; and received thunderous applause and a standing ovation after the rousing conclusion. 

If you were there and would like to leave a message, please go to "Sign Guestbook" on the Home page. If you were unable to attend, we are sorry that you missed it and hope to see you at the opening of the new season in the fall.


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