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CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA a DELIGHT
The
Kelowna Community Concert Association opened the new season with a
blockbuster program Friday, September 11 in the Community Theatre.
The
concert presented the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra with special guest
artist, Dame Evelyn Glennie.
They brought impeccable technique and musicianship to their
playing.
The
evening was a fascinating blend of old and new. The orchestra chose to open and close with
Baroque, bookending the contemporary repertoire.
It was a bold programming move that really worked.
The
program opened with a small ensemble performing one of my favorites,
J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #3.
It was a stellar performance, from the sweeping opening of the
first movement to the joyous conclusion in the final movement. The players brought a dramatic sense to the music
along with wonderfully shaped phrases and clear articulation of the
notes. Indeed, this was the case for
the entire performance. The
second movement featured the Concert Master as soloist.
He brought grace and elegance to the phrasing.
The
orchestra also offered six short pieces by Jose Evangelista . The conductor, Ann Manson
proved to be a consummate artist, leading the group flawlessly
through the melodic Spanish style songs.
The players were equally at ease in the contemporary genre.
Dame
Evelyn Glennie, Percussionist joined the orchestra for the balance of
the program. To call her
a virtuoso would be an understatement.
She demonstrated her
command of the instruments (marimba, vibraphone and bells) with a
relaxed control. In the contemporary works,
Snowblind by Joe Duddell and Mirage? by Christos Hatzis. Dame Evelyn lived the music and became as one with
the orchestra, who gave her incredible support. The result was pure beauty of sound, even in the
sometimes discordant writing. Together,
they wove an emotional tapestry that I, for one found totally
captivating.
The
concert closed with a Vivaldi Piccolo Concerto which Dame Evelyn
arranged for Vibraphone. It
was here that she really shone, demonstrating once again her flawless
technique and precision. The
orchestra merged perfectly, creating a wonderful ensemble.
The joyous first movement gave way to slow, flowing melody in
which Glennie gave us a moving legato line.
The final movement was a rollicking theme with rapid notes throughout. The mallets were no more than a blur throughout, leaving me breathless.
The
entire evening was one of complete satisfaction and I, for one, am
looking forward to the next.
Marvin
Dickau is an Organist, Pianist and Conductor who has an A.Mus from
the University of Alberta. He
has given solo piano and organ recitals and accompanied many singers
and instrumentalists in Kelowna and Calgary.