The start of the Symphony Under the Sky festival began this evening with many recognizable classical favourites. Those audience members unfamiliar with the realm of symphonic music would have recognized the musical themes of these iconic classical works. By the show of hands, it was apparent there were many first-time festival attendees.
The ESO began with the cheeky musical flourishes in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" Overture which still cues images of Bugs Bunny for me. It's hard to detach this image from the music when cartoons were my first exposure to classical music.
Mozart's Symphony No. 40 provided musical contrast from the Rossini with more ominous tones. Upon hearing the opening movement, one could feel the audience take a sigh of contentment and settle back into the warmth of their seats. Mozart is always good for offering works that are pleasing to consume.
The program was finished with Sara Davis Buechner at the piano. She dominated the keyboard of that piano with such blazing intensity. There was much vertical and horizontal movement across the piano bench as her fingers possessed the entire keyboard range with equal power. Her body's contact with the instrument looked like a shock response, especially during the opening ascending chords in Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1.
Overall, the festival is off to a great start! The best part is that there is much more to come. Follow @soundnnoise for live updates from the festival.
There are still tickets available for the concerts this weekend.
This entry is cross-posted on The Sound and Noise
Reserved Seating $40 Adult / $20 Child
Grass Seating $25 Adult / Children Free
Winspear Box Office: 780-428-1414
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