Bangor Symphony explores romanticism in season opener

On one of the most beautiful afternoons of the year, it might seem remarkable that hundreds of people chose to sit inside the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono to attend the opening concert of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra 2005-2006 season. But then the Bangor community has been enjoying concerts by its hometown orchestra for 110 years.

“I wonder if you know,” BSO Board President James Goff rhetorically asked, “that this is the oldest continually performing community orchestra in the country?” After enthusiastic applause, Goff went on to welcome 167 new season subscribers and remarked, “Whether you are new to the BSO or not … may this concert remind you that life, love and music are all interconnected.”

The program for the afternoon, titled “The Essence of Romanticism,” began with The Carnival Overture by Antonin Dvorak, a lively confection of piccolo frills, harp trills and lots of zippy percussion. It’s a good thing music isn’t fattening because this piece was like a big sundae with a big cherry on top.

Of special note was a lyrical solo passage from new concertmaster Trond Saeverud, brief but beautifully played. Co-concertmaster Lynn Brubaker is also a stunningly talented performer, so it should be interesting to see what the BSO will do with such a dynamic pair of violinists on board.

Next was the Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which featured guest pianist James Giles. Giles has appeared in concerts in New York, Paris, London and Chicago, as well as in recitals in China and Ukraine, and his playing reflected a well traveled, worldly and sophisticated wit. Giles performed with razor-sharp precision and devastating elegance. If any criticism can be uttered, it might be that Giles’ forte is being pianissimo. This reviewer kept waiting for some crashingly loud chords, some forte, or some fortissimo, but Giles never delivered. Nonetheless, his playing was delightful, and he was rewarded with a standing ovation and several calls back to the stage for additional bows.

After the intermission, BSO director Xiao-Lu Li charmed the audience by admitting his preference for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. “I know I am not supposed to take sides, but I just have to say, Red Sox all the way!” He went on to inform the cheering crowd that the Sox were leading 6-0.

The final piece of the afternoon, the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, opening with the big and brassy “Fate” theme, was an ambitious choice for the BSO, considering the past weaknesses of the brass section. And there were a few bloopers, but all in all the BSO played its collective heart out, and the excitement and passion came through loud and clear.

A few special words of praise should be added for BSO youth orchestra member Kristin Dillon, who entertained the audience as they entered the concert hall. Her playing was lovely and unexpected, but BSO executive director Susan Jonason said she hopes to make the pre-concert music a regular part of the BSO experience.

Finally, it is always with a mix of emotions that we see the changing faces of the orchestra. Some members leave and others replace them. Among the new faces this year are principal clarinetist Kristen Finkbeiner who plays with a lovely liquidity matched only by her physical response to the music, and Noreen Silver, the new principal cellist, who will be featured with Phillip Silver and concertmaster Saeverud in the next regular BSO concert to be held November 6th.

Not all BSO concerts happen on such beautiful autumn days. The storms of winter will come, and the music will play on. The musicians will change, and the audiences will change as well. But the music and the life and love enmeshed in the music will persist. Play on!.

For concert information, go to www.bangorsymphony.org or call 800-639-3221.