Zelman Symphony | Saint-Saëns + Dvořák
18 June at 7.30pm, James Tatoulis Auditorium, Kew
PROGRAM
Saint-Saëns – Havanaise op 83
Saint-Saëns – Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso op28
Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No 1 op 33
Interval
Dvořák – Symphony No 7 op 70
SOLOISTS
Roy Theaker – Violin
Kalina Krusteva – Violoncello
I have said before that I enjoy music in the suburbs as evidence that there is a thriving community of performers who present programmes in venues other than the main ones in the centre of the capital cities. Thriving communities like this are necessary for live music and the participation of highly skilled and dedicated musicians. With localised support from patrons, sponsors, families and friends, an artistic hub is created that provides for community identity and meaning. In addition there is greater accessibility for people living farther out from the city centres.
The evening’s programme was picked to delight the listener with works by Dvořák and Saint-Saëns with cello and violin solos. The programme notes were informative and succinct allowing one to read and digest them before the concert started. Held in the superb acoustics of the MLC main concert hall with a seating of 362, one is fairly close to the orchestra. This lends a certain intimacy to the experience and one can see more details of the playing. This is always fine if, like me, one likes to notice for example how the basses play or how the woodwind section is arranged.
The orchestra was reduced in size due to COVID and the advertised conductor, Rick Prakhoff, was not able to be present for the same reason. Instead the violin soloist, Roy Theaker, conducted the entire night’s programme. The orchestra did creditably well. Far from merely “holding together”, the orchestra provided a solid backing for the first three items with solo violin and solo cello. From where I was sitting I was about the same level as the timpanist at the back of the orchestra who dazzled me with his exceptional precision and non-stop attention to the conductor. In many cases I am sure the solidity of his playing firmed the orchestral playing just that bit more in what must have been a challenging evening without many key players.
The fine flute playing throughout the evening delighted especially in the Dvořák symphony.
Here was another musician totally on the ball playing with precision and fine tone. The beautiful consistent sound of the cello section gave a wonderful firm tone to the whole orchestra.
The first two items were conducted by the solo violinist who fundamentally through the conviction of his playing directed the orchestra on a more subtle level rather than being too directive with his gestures. This worked well and showed the confidence both parties had in each other. The solo violin part was as a result nuanced and finely balanced.
The Capriccioso on the other hand called for a more “flashy” approach, which was given.
This popular work certainly pleased the audience with its fire and the elan shown by Theaker. Kalina Krusteva described in the programme notes as a “cellist of the highest standard” lived up to her description. Playing entirely from memory there was not a note in either her part or the orchestra’s part that she was not totally involved with. This concerto calls for some difficulties and none of these were evident in Krusteva’s playing as all sounded natural and easy. When I hear performances of this standard I am so aware of the many hours of practice to overcome technical difficulties and the exceptional mind that can relegate these to the background bringing the beauty of the music to the foreground.
This was stunning performance.
The Dvořák Seventh Symphony is one of the lesser known symphonies, perhaps because the first movement is so dark and politically inspired and the last is “an angry march with a central section of
intense polyphony” (from the programme notes). Aficionados of classical music will however recognise the two middle movements which are often played alone on classical music stations because of their delightful tunes. This was a solid performance of a major work.
I enjoyed an evening of entertainment and live music with a high standard of performance. Do search for local orchestras, choirs and chamber music groups. They are there and actively providing very
worthwhile events for hungry audiences that have been locked down. Musicians were not supported well during Covid so please support them now.
