Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

Last Saturday, September 23, marked the first performance of [tag]Vallejo Symphony[/tag]?s seventy-fifth season. To put that in perspective, the orchestra dates back to February 1931 and the early years of the Great Depression. There are only six other California symphony orchestras that have been around longer. Their current success seems largely due to the talented David Ramadanoff, who joined the symphony in 1983 as Music Director and Conductor. Under Maestro Ramadanoff, the Vallejo Symphony achieved a reputation for excellence that attracts some of the finest musicians as guest artists.

Norman Krieger was the guest artist for the season opener. Kreiger is a native of Los Angeles and an acclaimed pianist. He played Ludwig van Beethoven?s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73. This work, sometimes called ?Emperor,? showcased the nimble fingers and virtuosity of Mr. Krieger. Notes trilled from the keyboard in a liquid and glorious rise and fall beneath Krieger?s hands while he swayed in a near trance-like state as he played. The audience appeared spellbound by the melody and obvious brilliance of his performance, erupting into a thunderous standing ovation at the conclusion of the piece.

As usual, Ramadanoff presented, to an interested group of listeners, a pre-concert lecture an hour before the symphony performance. Since this was an all-Beethoven concert, he discussed the historical context of the three pieces selected for the evening. Sometimes it is easy to believe that great music is composed in a vacuum, but we learned how Napoleon?s occupation impacted the opening of Fidelio?s premiere, and how Beethoven spent a good part of his time with his head buried under a pillow in an attempt to protect his failing hearing from artillery fire.

I?m not sure if it is tradition or not, but the orchestra surprised me with their opening. The players stood when the Maestro entered, and, while still standing, played ?The Star Spangled Banner.? The audience surged to its feet, and as a lovely surprise, burst into spontaneous singing of our national anthem. I cannot recall the last time I?ve heard a crowd sing the anthem, and it was a tremendous way to open the evening. This patriotic beginning set the tone for a touching musical celebration.

Vallejo Symphony has a full calendar of events planned for this season. They will hold their [tag]75th Anniversary Gala/Ball[/tag] (Diamonds are Forever) on 14 October, Concerts on 19 November, 3 February, 5 May and a Pops Concert on July 4th. Their annual dinner and auction is slated for April 2007. Find out more about this musical treasure at www.VallejoSymphony.org.

[tags]concert review, Vallejo Symphony 75th season[/tags]

Be Sociable, Share!

•