By Wai Khant Paing
Being an international student, going to live concerts was new to me, and what could be a more astonishing initiation into classical music than attending The Senior Concert Orchestra of New York at Carnegie Hall? The privilege to witness such an event at perhaps one of the most remarkable venues in the world was exhilarating, but also utterly unforgettable. It was even more entrancing considering that it was my first time, and every detail from the unique acoustics of the hall itself, to the artistry of the performers was like an awe-inspiring discovery.
The concert was at the magnificent Carnegie Hall. Entering through this majestic lobby, the air hummed with anticipation. Although the formal surroundings may have sounded slightly intimidating at first, the welcoming smiles of the ushers brought me right in with the best of them. The auditorium in itself was a sight to behold: intricately-detailed architecture, plush red seats, and a perfect vantage point toward the stage, bathed in warm glow. Though not completely sold out, the respectable number of patrons added to the atmosphere of shared appreciation for tonight’s program.
The concert began with a heartfelt introduction by conductor David Gilbert. A seasoned maestro and former assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic, Gilbert’s illustrious career spans decades of musical excellence, from leading symphonies to teaching at the Manhattan School of Music.
Among all the performances, Cayuga Overture stood out as the highlight of the evening. Seth Grosshandler is a contemporary composer who successfully merges traditional orchestral forms with innovative ideas, bridging classical foundations with modern appeal. The piece, inspired by the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region, unfolds through dynamic textures, painting a vivid and immersive soundscape. Listening to the music, it’s easy to imagine the peacefulness and the grandeur of a lake region like the Finger Lakes.
The subtle nuances in Grosshandler’s writing may evoke images of still waters, with the brassy, punctuated moments representing the sudden intensity of a storm or natural forces. This interplay could allow you to visualize a serene landscape slowly giving way to dynamic weather changes, much like the Finger Lakes themselves. With the resonant acoustics of Carnegie Hall amplifying every note, the orchestra was able to delve deeply into the nuances and subtleties of the composition. Rich harmonies from the strings were complemented with the commanding presence of the brass section, which punctuated throughout the work with emotional intensity.
While listening to its recorded version on Youtube beforehand had provided me with an idea about its structure, the immediacy and vibrancy of a live performance far exceeded that. The live setting indeed brought out subtlety and emotional depth that is never quite captured by any recording.
A closer view of The Cayuga Overture reveals an innovative structure combined with profound emotional power. Grosshandler’s ability to merge traditional orchestral techniques with those of the contemporary proves his talent for bridging the past and present, offering the piece as both accessible yet groundbreaking. The shifting textures with lush harmonies evoke exploration and transformation, enriching its evocative character. If anything, this effect was accentuated by the orchestra in their live rendition, being as technically faultless as it was emotionally stirring.
Another highlight was the appearance of solo violinist, William Lee. A student at the Juilliard School and a young professional in his own right, Lee revealed himself to be a fantastically dexterous and expressive performer. Lee’s technical precision and emotional expressiveness shone in every passage of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26. Extremely impressive was the interplay between his solo and the accompanying musicians. The performance felt like a musical dialogue or even a spirited battle, with Lee’s solo lines answered by the orchestra’s robust responses. The balance between Lee’s expressive phrases and the orchestra’s support demonstrated the his exceptional chemistry. With a promising future ahead, as underlined by participation in international competitions like the Singapore Violin Competition, he is definitely one of the artists to watch.
The performers’ attire and demeanor reflected a balance between formality and approachability, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The setting, while formal, but felt inclusive and engaging, making it accessible to both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers like me.
In conclusion, the Senior Concert Orchestra of New York gave a truly remarkable evening of music at Carnegie Hall. The combination of Grosshandler’s evocative Cayuga Overture, the masterly leadership of David Gilbert, and the virtuosic performance of William Lee created a concert that was as emotionally resonant as it was artistically inspiring. While additional details about the inspiration behind the piece and its dedication to Gino Sambuco would have enriched the narrative, the music itself spoke volumes. This experience affirmed the power of classical music to transcend barriers, leaving me eager to attend future performances. For anyone seeking an evening of exceptional artistry, The Senior Concert Orchestra of New York is highly recommended.
References:
Program Notes — Seth Grosshandler. (n.d.-b). Seth Grosshandler. https://www.sethgrosshandler.com/programnotes
Seth Grosshandler. (2022b, June 8). The Cayuga Overture for Chamber Orchestra – Seth Grosshandler [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yPwVVGSVv4
William Lee – Singapore International Violin Competition presented by medici.tv. (n.d.). singaporeviolin.medici.tv. https://singaporeviolin.medici.tv/en/competitors/william-lee/
HOME | Wagner. (n.d.). Wagner. https://www.theinternationalwagnerfestival.com/
2017 Hall of Fame Inductee – David Gilbert. (2019, February 20). Nutley Hall of Fame. https://nutleyhalloffame.nutleypubliclibrary.org/2017-gilbert/
Local 802 Senior Concert Orchestra | Local 802 AFM. (2024, August 13). Local 802 AFM. https://www.local802afm.org/event/local-802-senior-concert-orchestra-2024/
