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.
