Music Reviews

Feb 8, 2009 - Passion and elegance - conductor Laura Jackson, violinist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, and the Reno Philharmonic

By Jack Neal

Advocates of passion and elegance at the philharmonic got plenty of both Sunday afternoon (2/8/09) as conductor Laura Jackson put her formidable talents on display. It was Jackson’s debut with the Reno Philharmonic. She is the last of five conductors vying to be the orchestra’s next resident conductor.

With Jackson’s strong showing, selecting a new conductor to lead the Reno Philharmonic into the future just got more difficult. There has not been a loser in the five finalists who have conducted one series of concerts each. Now it’s Jackson’s turn. Her musical leadership is more than merely impressive. It’s triumphant.

Jackson’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s fateful Symphony No. 4 is superb on all counts. She may not, as Leonard Bernstein was accused of doing, have drenched the Tchaikovsky with her own personal pain (she appears to be hopelessly well adjusted), but she certainly gives it layers of emotion in all the right places. Who could ask for more?

But more, not less, at this pair of concerts seems to be the order of the day and violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio could not have been more accommodating. With her sublime performance of Mendelssohn’s revered Violin Concerto, Sant’Ambrogio’s Reno Philharmonic debut was itself something to be revered.

As a show-piece for violin and orchestra the Mendelssohn accomplishes what it sets out to do. It balances Classical grace with Romantic ardor, musical taste with dazzling display, formal structure with impetuosity.

There’s an enviable warmth and integrity to Sant’Ambrogio’s performance. The first movement’s brisk tempo comes across as urgent, not rushed. The slow movement sings with elegance and poignancy. The finale is a mix of capriciousness and intensity. The orchestra is an elegant match for Sant’Ambrogio’s elegant performance. It is a wonderful Reno Philharmonic debut with an artist loaded with musical gifts that deserve sharing – and often.

The folkishness of Kodaly’s “Dances of Galanta” provided the program an especially appealing opening. The dances are bright and spirited, with first-rate brass playing and lively interactions between the strings and woodwinds. It’s given an exciting performance, especially when nuanced by a conductor who knows how to get the best out of an orchestra.

Tchaikovsky’s fourth symphony is a grand display piece for Jackson’s conductorial skills. The first movement soars with free-flowing emotions. The horns and trumpets provide an opening motif of destiny that sets the stage for Jackson’s dramatic reading. The second movement is lyrically, gorgeously brought off. The third movement, the famed pizzicati movement, has just the right impulsiveness with smart, crisp execution throughout. The fourth movement is a lightening-fast affair that smokes its way to one of the most exciting finales in symphonic literature.

Sunday’s Pioneer Center, near capacity audience provided an entirely well-earned standing ovation. To say that the musicianship, conducting skills and symphonic leadership of Laura Jackson is impressive is an understatement. She is simply sensational.

The concert will be repeated Tuesday (2/10/09) at 7: 30 p.m.

All Reno Philharmonic subscription concerts are played at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. The Reno Philharmonic’s new resident conductor will be announced at its next series of concerts March 29, and March 31, 2009. The concert will feature the Reno Philharmonic Chorus and the music of Brahms and Bernstein. Vance George will conduct. For information call 775-323-6393.