Review: Bravo, maestro! Another remarkable evening of music making from Palm Beach Symphony

Palm Beach Symphony continued its ''inaugural'' season with another remarkable evening of music making on M at the Kravis Center.

For those familiar with the history of the orchestra, which was founded in 1974, the word “inaugural” may look like a typo. But how else could one describe an orchestra that has been turned into a grown-up ensemble, playing for its first season in a real music auditorium and featuring a real world-class conductor as its music director?

Yes, the symphony has come a long way and credit needs to be given not only to Conductor Gerald Schwarz, but also to its Chief Executive Director David McClymont, who has worked tirelessly through the years to oversee this incredible transformation.

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And of an incredible level the well-attended program was indeed.

After a stirring rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem, the conductor and orchestra welcomed soloist Rodolfo Leone for Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37. Originally, the soloist was supposed to be legendary pianist Maria João Pires, whose performances are limited to the great capitals of Europe and some major U.S. cities, so anticipation was high for a rare appearance of a distinguished artist.

But, as it has become the norm in these pandemic times, one has to be flexible and accept last-minute changes without much complaining. Fortunately, the substitution went from legendary to very good, as Leone proved to be a worthy replacement of the acclaimed Portuguese pianist.

His reading of the tempestuous concerto was full of vigor and rhythmic drive. His synchronization with the orchestra was remarkable, especially when one remembers that he was not the expected soloist.

Leone’s musical personality was evident in the somewhat romantic approach to the slow movement and to the almost impressionistic treatment of soft passages.

With the absence of Pires, the focus shifted to the closing work of the program, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G Major. One of the composer’s more accessible masterworks, it highlighted the transformation of the Palm Beach Orchestra into a true professional group.

Under Schwarz, the lush strings were complemented by precise and expressive woodwinds. The many moments of “chamber music” highlighted the caliber of the principals of each section — and what a difference a conductor makes when one remembers that these are the same principals of past seasons.

The flexibility of tempo required throughout the four movements felt natural and precise. If one could find a less-than-perfect aspect of the reading it would be the somewhat out of balance interventions of the trumpet in the first two movements. But those were little distractions in an otherwise brilliant concert.

One can only wish for more of “this” Palm Beach Symphony in the seasons to come. Bravo, maestro!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: Palm Beach Symphony shows solidarity by playing Ukrainian national anthem