Splendid local media coverage about this concert's young featured soloist lent a pleasant sense of expectation as the audience settled in.
Once again, PGSO conductor Kevin Zakresky reached back in time to select eighteenth century music. Considering that Beethoven composed the Egmont Overture during the time that Napoleon was waging war on Europe, it's surprisingly familiar. The reason for that is because the music enjoyed a revived interest used as an anthem during the Hungarian revolution in 1956. The piece begins with a sense of anticipation right from its opening chords. It is powerful music which the orchestra delivered right through to its triumphant finish.
The evening's highlight was presented next. This was the violin concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Opus 26, composed by Bruch and played by Gabrielle Jacob as guest artist. Performance of this concerto was part of her prize as winner of last year's Youth Artist Award sponsored by Integris Credit Union. Considered difficult and complex music, she would not have been expected to perform the entire piece--but she did! With notes proceeding like a conversation, the orchestra joined in as if playing in response. It was evident that this was very emotional music for her to play, particularly the tenderly-played passages. It was a joy for the audience - which responded accordingly - and a triumph for her so early in her music career.
The evening's second half featured the symphony's performance of Haydn's Symphony No. 104 in D major. Opening with serenely-played notes, the adagio quickly moves into a startled timpani and then back into joyous expression. The formal entrance notes of the andante move gracefully into the third movement, the minuetto. The predictable rhythms allow the mind to sense the image of dancers in a formal, elegant ballroom. With the fourth and final movement, the finale comes in with a triumphant scamper, then through some calming notes and back to the excitement and energy which Haydn wished for his audiences to feel.
Sponsors for this concert were the physicians of Prince George in support of young talent and in celebration of beautiful music. Lyrically beautiful music, after all, does promote a sense of well-being.
The next PGSO concert will be Saturday March 16th at Sacred Heart Cathedral featuring the Prince George Cantata Singers and the Richmond Chorus. Mozart's Requiem Mass will be performed.
Tickets available online at www.pgso.com or at Studio 2880 at 250-562-0800.
