Yes, Monday night was our last concert in the friendly confines of the Arlene until next September, when we open with our gala starring violinist Joshua Bell. It was another fine concert, and I think it might have gone the best of the three nights. Elina’s playing of the Britten just gets more and more assured and authoritative (and I thought it started out outrageously good!), and the Mahler was absolutely in the zone last night – strong but flexible playing, and Carlos threw some wonderful curve balls that made it a total delight to be a part of (did anyone catch his “Viennese” off-beats in the third movement?). What a joy it is to play in this fine orchestra – not to say that every day is an unalloyed joy – but concerts like last night’s are what make life as a musician worth living.
Carlos honored the four retiring members of the orchestra before the concert began: principal timpanist Paul Salvatore, percussionists Christine Perry and Steve Lawrence, and double bassist Tommy Thompson. He also surprised the orchestra by saying a few words about departing principal flutist David Buck before the beginning of the Mahler. That was very nice of him to do, often members who leave for other jobs are not honored in such a way. It shows what a great guy and musician David is.
Anyone have any thoughts about the last concert of the season in Portland?
6 replies on “last night @ home”
So the best performance of all should be Tuesday night in Salem ? Right ?! The intimate setting of Smith Auditorium rarely gets a chance for its walls to be “blown out” by a Mahler Symphony! A treat for us out of towners for sure…. see you there !!
Hard to believe that last night could top the first two concerts. It must have been something. Have a great summer, Charles! Thanks to you and all the musicians for a fantastic season!
The Mahler was incredible last night. I did catch the Viennese downbeat & Carlos’ interesting conducting technique (3 step upper body robot looking motion)… I just assumed it was played the same way the previous nights & that I shouldn’t be surprised that an American orchestra led by a conductor who lives in Wien was playing it that way.
Elina nailed the Britten… spectacular. I’m so tempted to run down to Salem this evening to catch it again.
What a wonderful last two weekends @ the OSO!
Definitely one of the golden nights of a 24 karat season. Loud applause coming from Thurman and 27th Avenues!!!!
Monday night’s concert was fantastic. The Britten was wonderful, and Elina was so good.
Never mind that the Mahler blew us all away. The thing I loved the most, though, was seeing the joy of playing in each of you. I could just tell you all were having a blast.
I loved that the viola section was recognized in the last curtain call. Fantastic!
Now, about that Prokofiev Symphony No 5 on September’s concert… 🙂
That will be amazing, too – love Prok 5!! Thanks for a great season of fandom and erudicity!