the inaugural concerts of the amarillo symphony's 88th season are a done deal. the season is aimed at selecting a new maestro. candidate number one is stilian kirov, a native of bulgaria, more recently serving as assistant conductor for the seattle and memphis symphonies.
it has been said "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". now ain't that the truth! my first impression of stilian was positive. he strode confidently onto the stage, conducted our national anthem in fine style and took his leave giving sway to the introduction of this year's symphony belles and beaus.
to the audition at hand. i've heard it a million times from the judges on american idol, the voice and others. song choice is key. the same would apply to orchestral music as well it seems. Leonard Bernstein's Candide Overture and Serge Prokofiev's Violin Concerto, No. 2, op. 63, G minor --while ably conducted and played, both left me unimpressed. Stilian's style is reminiscent of our previous maestro. his hair, styled in a minor key, managed to convey the passion he is feeling for the music that was so telegraphed by maestro's hair in years past.
intermission.
Ludwig von Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, op. 67, C minor. from the first four notes -- pum! pum! pum! pum! --it's on! Stilian and our Amarillo Symphony took us on a ride I'll not soon forget. Skillfully conducted, and yes we noticed there was no sheet music to refer to, and beautifully played; one word-- BRAVO!!! A true, lengthy and much deserved standing O for Stilian and our merry little band of symphony musicians. way to bring on the big guns to finish with a bang!
song choice is key.
aio
No comments:
Post a Comment