Brian Harman : Madrigal – Celebration Prelude – premiere, commissioned by the TSO
As the TSO celebrates its 100th anniversary, the premiere commissioned from Canadian Brian Harman provided a fitting regal tone to open the evening. The joyful fanfare of this tonal, contemporary work is light and uplifting. Harman counts among his influences Prof. Brian Cherney, of McGill, with whom he studied during his PhD degree in composition. The hall bubbled with enthusiasm as Harman took a bow on stage following the TSO performance.
Jean-Guihen Queyras: cellist
As an additional, rare treat, solo cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras performed two concerti. The French, Canadian-born cellist, is one of this year’s TSO spotlight guest artists selected by Maestro Gimeno. Kudos for this selection! The Schumann Cello Concerto is technically and emotionally challenging. Queyras exudes confidence. His performances are captivating. In his virtuosic hands, the Schumann the concerto sounded soulful and simple, alternating between meditation, levity, and grandeur. With the TSO’s inspiring principal cellist, Joseph Johnson, by his side, the cohesive collaboration between soloist and orchestra sang poignantly. Queyras’ energy seemed boundless. He returned to the stage after the intermission to open the second half of the evening, playing the Ligeti Cello Concerto, demonstrating equal ease with Ligeti’s very different style than the romantic Schumann. The cello opening is quiet, a tone poem that shimmers. Beautiful playing by TSO winds, brass, harp, and strings shone throughout.
Iman Habibi: Jeder Baum spricht
Yet another rare treat occurred during the evening. Iranian-Canadian composer, Iman Habibi was in the audience and called up to the stage for multiple bows following performance of his work. The sound of the orchestra filled the stage, with syncopations, pizzicati, drums, and brass. Habibi is an Azrieli Foundation Laureate, 2022 and a recipient of dozens of awards worldwide for his unique style.
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
The culmination of the evening, Gimeno Conducts Beethoven 5, was a truly electrifying performance. Fast paced, Maestro Gimeno’s driving energy propelled the concert to close on a high point, with the audience reluctant to leave. Fortunately, there will be replays – the program will be repeated as part of the relaxed Saturday matinee series and, in the northern part of the city at the George Weston concert hall over the weekend.
TSO March 22, 2023 (will be also performed Wed. March 22 and: Thurs. March 23., Fri, March
24, Sat. March 25 (relaxed concert) and on Sunday March 27 at the GW Hall in North York)
Gimeno Conducts Beethoven 5
Roy Thomson Hall – review of concert March 22, 2023
