Russian Sunday

nobody@vox.com(hp) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:07:43 -0800

I am normally not a fan of matinée concerts; there is something about sitting in a darkened auditorium in the middle of the day that just doesn't work for me. But, yesterday, I made an exception for the Russian National Orchestra--and I'm glad I did.

When there is a visiting orchestra or conductor I often pine for a change in artistic leadership at the Seattle Symphony. Someone who brings youthful, sexy energy to the podium (and I'm talking about artistic leadership here, not appearance.) The RNO has that with Vladimir Jurowski:

Jurowski

Well, OK, Jurowski also has a youthful, sexy appearance. That doesn't hurt now does it?

The piano soloist, playing the always-fun Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, was Stephen Hough. He came out of the wings wearing concert blacks with--I am not kidding here--ruby slippers-- as in bright red satin loafers.

You can get an idea of the spine-tingling performance with this:

Stephen Hough plays Rachmaninov's Paganini Rhapsody (2)

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Later, after dinner, we watched the PBS two-part series on Balanchine. Wonderful to see and hear Mr. B in action.

Mr. B

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Russian Sunday