OKC Philharmonic gives patriotic, accessible performance
After another short hiatus, the OKC Philharmonic, led by Meastro Alexander Mickelthwaite, resumed its Classics Series on March 5 with a program of “Titanic” proportions. Featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, subtitled the “Titan,” and Jonathan Leshnoff’s "Violin Concerto No. 2," the concert brought gravitas and drama.
The concert opened with the usual rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner," followed by a touching performance of the Ukrainian national anthem as well, in support of the country’s current valiant fight against invading forces.
For the first work on the program, Berlin Philharmonic Concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley joined the philharmonic for a special performance of Leshnoff’s concerto in four movements, which was recorded live for the orchestra’s first major recording project for the Naxos label. The orchestra performed well, if not a bit timidly, and Bendrix-Balgley’s rich, warm sound was phenomenal. The piece itself was accessible, lively, and had very beautiful thematic moments; however, another piece might have better showcased the remarkable talent of the soloist.
The bulk of the program was Mahler’s hefty "Symphony No. 1." While the sheer length and often grim tone of this masterwork may have been too much for some listeners, the symphony was executed exceedingly well. From the eerie, primordial opening movement, to the sardonic minor-mode “Frere Jacques” theme, to the triumphant, exuberant finale, the orchestra was largely in top shape — particularly the brass, featuring an impressive troupe of 10 horns led by Kate Pritchett.
The next Classics Series concert is the “Rachmaninov Festival,” rescheduled for March 24th featuring "Symphony No. 2," and pianist Natasha Paremski performing "Concerto No.1."
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Philharmonic gives patriotic, accessible performance for Classics series
