Friday, March 17, 2017

MN ORCHESTRA RACES TO HIGH ENERGY SUCCESS



Concert goers to the Minnesota Orchestra are in for a real energizing treat this weekend (3-16 and-17) With young substitute conductor, Perry So, the orchestra offers up a fast-paced trio of lesser-known pieces by some stalwart dogs, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. All are handled with aplomb and finesse by the orchestra and director who was brought in at literally the last moment.
Adding to the excitement, young-very young-violinist Simone Porter laid into the Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor with considerable sass and assurance. She appeared to have left the Thursday morning concert audience and members neatly exhausted with her speed and passion. The audience approved mightily.
Overall, one could quibble that perhaps some subtle nuances were ignored or run down by the pell-mell pace, but all three pieces were cleanly and enjoyably performed.