Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Philharmonic's sixth season off to promising start

The quality of recent Las Vegas Philharmonic performances has soared, and Saturday's opening of the sixth season confirmed Las Vegas has an orchestra that can deliver rousing music with skill and passion.

"Images in Sound," the theme for the evening, included works by Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and Wagner. Orion Weiss was the guest pianist, performing "Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 23."

Music director Harold Weller conducted the performance and displayed his superb ability to transport the audience far from the expected entertainment of the Strip with music that nonetheless evoked mysterious images to rival "Mystere" or "O."

Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman" was ideal for a dynamic opening. This rich performance was enhanced with resounding French horns balanced by lyrical violins.

The moment Weller stepped onstage to conduct Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," he exuded the boundless confidence and joy that befits this composition, and the entire orchestra echoed his enthusiasm. Whether it was the haunting saxophone or the clashing cymbals, this stirring rendition was the high point of the evening.

"Pictures at an Exhibition" was inspired by a memorial exhibition of drawings by Mussorgsky's late friend Victor Hartmann. The virtuosity of the orchestra allowed the audience to wander from one painting to another, all brought to life through music.

Guest artist Orion Weiss is clearly a pianist with flawless technical skill. He performed Tchaikovsky's "First Piano Concerto" at a brilliant, breathless pace. Weiss deftly celebrated the contrasts between soloist and orchestra, and his youthful energy earned him an enthusiastic standing ovation.

The evening struck a perfect balance of warmth and theatrics. Music so rich and brilliant raises expectations for the rest of the season.