Anchorage Symphony
by Terra Laughton – West Anchorage High School
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s performance on Saturday, April 11th in the Atwood Concert Hall was engaging and well-executed. The evening featured guest conductor Robert Moody and Anchorage’s own Juliana Osinchuk on piano.
Saturday’s program was diverse to say the least, beginning with Mexican composer Arturo Marquez rendition of a Danzon. Then came Handel’s Suite No. 2 from Water Music, Hinemuth’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber and finally Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Guest conductor Moody describes the selections as some of the “most popular works in all of music”, and it’s quite clear why.
The first piece burst with engaging passion and rhythm, and was clearly enjoyed by the musicians and audience alike. Inspired by a Cuban salon dance, Marquez’ seductive and image-provoking melody was one of the evening’s highlights to be sure.
Overall, the Symphony gave a compelling performance. There were only a few moments when one part of the piece came off slightly sloppy, such as the horn solo in Handel’s Suite. However, this passed so quickly it was almost as if it hadn’t happened at all.
Juliana Osinchuk’s performance of Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 was magnificent. Her hands brilliantly sped up and down the keys, expressively offering everything from percussive piano to delicate trills. Osinchuk received three degrees from Juliard before coming to Alaska, where we now proudly claim her as our own. The Symphony Orchestra effortlessly blended with Osinchuk, providing string swells and intense musical climaxes. Each component of the Concerto’s performance served as an appropriate complement, neither overpowering the other.
At the end of the performance, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra left us satisfied and appreciative. Through the conductor’s energy, the elegance of the orchestra’s performance and the talent of the guest pianist, our minds and hearts were opened to the music of Marquez, Handel, Hindemith and Tchaikovsky in a way that we rarely have the privilege to enjoy.
Showmanship
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
April 11, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall
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