On Saturday evening, June 1, 2019, the orchestra, under the baton of Maestro James Domine, delighted a houseful of appreciative concertgoers with yet another fantastic performance.
Following the playing of our National Anthem, the opening work was Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol.” Conceived by Rimsky as a fantasy on Spanish themes, and originally written for violin and orchestra, it eventually became a virtuoso work for not only violin but also for many other instruments. While the composition’s accent is Spanish, its emphasis is on solo instrumental virtuosity as well as on brilliant orchestration. The orchestra and the soloists were outstanding and much deserved of the audience’s applause and cheers.
The second work on the program was George Bizet’s “L’Arlesienne Suites Nos.1 and 2,” a thrilling and exciting work that consists of selections from his incidental music. For Suite No. 1, he chose four sections from the original score of 27 episodes, extensively modifying and rescoring the music in the process. The pieces for Suite No. 2 were selected and re-orchestrated by Bizet's close friend Ernest Guiraud following the composer's death in 1875. The audience showed its appreciation of this great work as well.
The next piece, performed by Alice Park, a recent graduate of Cal State Northridge, was the 1st movement from James Domine’s “Flute Concerto.” This wonderfully delightful work was played beautifully by the soloist, with the orchestra and conductor doing their parts as well. The concertgoers rose to their feet and rewarded Ms. Park ‘s virtuosity with great applause.
After intermission came the piece de resistance, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto #1 in B-flat minor, performed by Mark Richman, a well-known and revered pianist who resides in the San Fernando Valley. Always a favorite concerto, nothing can be said about it that has not been said over and over again. Maestro Domine and the orchestra were stellar in accompanying Mr. Richman, who performed brilliantly. He received four curtain calls; and the entire audience got to their feet while applauding, cheering, and whistling. He was very pleased, especially when the orchestra, led by Maestro Domine, and the audience concluded the evening by playing and singing “Happy Birthday” to him.
It was indeed an evening of "Great Music Close to Home!"