This writer had the opportunity to attend the Friday evening rehearsal and it was most impressive to watch Maestro Stewart overseeing/hearing the orchestral ensemble. It was reminiscent of a Broad-Winged Hawk gently, silently gliding above in complete observance over the musical activity that is taking place and measuring it against the score that the Maestro had etched in his memory note for note, detail for detail with amazing perfection.
Accompanied by Bennie Cottone oboe, Derek Tam harpsichord and William Everet contrabass and the members of the “chamber orchestra” in the Cantata. Ying Fang performed with elegance that would have thrilled and pleased Maestro Bach himself!
The Villa-Lobos work opened with a haunting pizzicato texture by the 8 celli that served as a dramatic backdrop for the rich, lush solo cello line performed by Ellen Sanders and the opening lines by soprano Ying Fang. Her wonderful ability and impressive range blended with the celli creating passionate musical aura that hovered over the audience like incense filled smoke. All of this musicality was flawlessly balanced and blended by Stewart.
The Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastic was an awesome musical experience! Berlioz broke new ground in the world of “classical” orchestral music with this work composed only three years after the death of the musical giant Ludwig van Beethoven. The impressive opening featuring the performance by bassoonists Jane Orzel, Douglas Brown, Kathleen Johannessen and Gail Selburn, all performing with amazing musicality throughout the work set the mood for things to come, and come they did! It was obvious that each of the orchestral families: strings, brass, winds and percussionists performed to their highest artistic level.
The momentary bright, bouncy, high energy rhythmic section of the second movement proved to be the perfect counterpoint to preceding slower section.
This writer was particularly moved by the fifth movement Songe d’une nuit sabbat (Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath) and the somber Dies Irae melody, for me alluded to Verdi’s Requiem. The tremolo in the strings, instrumental effects and dynamic variations produced an ominous setting. An awesome performance in all respects that was rewarded by a rousing standing ovation!
Again as a show of appreciation and camaraderie displayed by Maestro Stewart, he personally walked through the entire orchestra congratulating them on their wonderful performance.