NBSO Shows its Many Facets

The April 9 NBSO concert encapsulated in one evening why the orchestra is so vital to the South Coast. An add-on to the already full program was a charming piece, “Adaptations in Motion” that was written by Music Director David MacKenzie based on themes written by area 3rd graders as part of the NBSO’s educational outreach program. This past year’s Learning in Concert program focused on adaptations in motion of animals and music, and the children were asked to compose melodies describing how different animals moved. The finished piece was performed at the Young people’s Concert earlier and for us April 9. The short symphony had overtones of John Williams and delighted the audience, and I am sure thrilled its young “composers.” The next piece up was Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos, masterfully played by husband and wife Jean-Efflam and Andrea Bavouzet. While Poulenc will never be one of my favorite composers, the programming of this piece clearly shows how the NBSO takes us out of our comfort zone and exposes us to new and interesting works. The first and third movements were energetic and frenetic, while the middle was almost Romantic in its melody. After one piano was removed from the stage, Jean-Efflam returned for a stunning rendition of Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. The concerto was written after World War I for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during combat. The piece begins dark and brooding, evoking tanks moving over battle fields, and demands enormous artistry from the pianist during the solo parts. Indeed it was difficult to tell without watching that only one hand was used. Although not a “big name” in this country, Mr. Bavouzet is very well-known in Europe and an accomplished soloist and recording artist, and typical of the first-class guest artists that NBSO brings to New Bedford. After intermission we had a well-known and familiar piece of the classic repertoire: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5. Beginning in a brooding, “Russian,” manner, the themes recur in following movements. A beautiful horn solo highlights the second movement. The ending is a typical “big” finale with lots of brass and percussion. This piece allowed the NBSO to demonstrate the high level of professionalism that it has achieved under Maestro MacKenzie, rivalling that of any regional orchestra. One concert remains in the 2015-16 season. Do not miss it.