April 8, 2006 7:30 pm
Great Hall, GBPAC, Cedar Falls
Tai Murray, violin
Mozart – Symphony no. 31, 'Paris'
Prokofiev – Violin Concerto no. 2
Sibelius – Symphony no. 5
Philip Wharton – There Was A Star Danced [2006]
WCFSO, guest violinist follow classics through the centuries
By George F. Day
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
April 12, 2006
'Classic Goes Modern' was the title of the recent Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra concert. The performance, under the direction of Jason Winberger, took place at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Guest artist was violinist Tai Murray.
The four pieces on the bill represented several musical eras: a Mozart symphony [18th century], a Prokofiev violin concerto and a Sibelius symphony [20th century] and a new composition [21st century]. From the first to the last, the evening was thrilling.
First we heard a chamber-sized orchestra play Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 ['Paris']. Naturally the piece is essentially happy; the violins especially have some startlingly joyous moments. Another feature that charmed the audience was the lovely, lyrical melody heard in the second movement.
Next came what was, undoubtedly for many, the centerpiece of the evening, a performance of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto no. 2 with Tai Murray as soloist. This is a strikingly modern concerto with a explosive score that Murray and the orchestra performed with awesome energy and precision. Murray is the consummate virtuoso, with her flawless technique, breathtaking speed, warm tone and solid interpretation. I would guess many in the audience might prefer a more romantic concerto, but what we heard could not help but win new admirers for the great Russian composer – and a host of fans for the dynamic Murray.
After intermission, the orchestra played Symphony no. 5 by the great Finnish composer Jan Sibelius. This magnificent symphony is one of my favorite works. Weinberger’s exquisite conducting and the skillful playing of his orchestra brought out all the freshness and beauty of this matchless work.
The concertmaster for the program was Philip Wharton, and he composed the final work of the evening, 'There was a Star Danced.' The sort piece was bold and brash, filled with almost every sound one could imagine. And quite attractive, too. The audience loved it, just as they had every other work on this memorable program.
Note: All reviews are edited for length and spelling.