Review Roundup: The Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall

Ethereal and dramatic, Michel van der Aa's concerto was specifically written for Janine Jansen, a violinist who meets the many challenges of this stunning music. Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2-a Philadelphia Orchestraspecialty-has its own dramatic effects in the final movement, where the composer uncannily captures the sound of cascading Russian church bells. Its heart and soul, however, is the breathtaking third-movement Adagio that spins out a stream of beautiful melodies.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is confirmed to lead The Philadelphia Orchestra through the 2025-2026 season-an extraordinary and significant long-term commitment. Additionally, he becomes the third music director of the Metropolitan Opera beginning with the 2018-2019 season; he is currently music director designate. Yannick, who holds the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Chair, is an inspired leader of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The New York Times has called him "phenomenal," adding that under his baton, "the ensemble, famous for its glowing strings and homogenous richness, has never sounded better." Highlights of his sixth season include a yearlong celebration of the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth; music from and inspired by the British Isles in a three-week festival; and the continuation of a focus on vocal works, including Puccini's Tosca and Haydn's The Seasons.

Yannick has established himself as a musical leader of the highest caliber and one of the most thrilling talents of his generation. He is in his 10th and final season as music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and he has been artistic director and principal conductor of Montreal's Orchestre Métropolitain since 2000. He has made wildly successful appearances with the world's most revered ensembles and has conducted critically acclaimed performances at many of the leading opera houses.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Eric C. Simpson, NY Classical Review: Nézet-Séguin brought the Philadelphians to New York on Tuesday night, joined by Janine Jansen for the final concert of her Perspectives series at Carnegie Hall. Her year-long series of curated programs culminated in a remarkable new Violin Concerto by Michel van der Aa, given a stunning performance in its New York premiere. (The Dutch composer's opera, Sunken Garden, received its U.S. premiere at Houston Grand Opera last week.)

James R. Oestreich, NY Times: The lush string playing, in particular, summoned memories of the Fabulous Philadelphians of yore. And individual contributions from others - particularly Ricardo Morales, the principal clarinetist, in the big tune of the third movement - enhanced that impression. Showing total command, Mr. Nézet-Séguin led an unhurried account, giving full rein and ample breath to Rachmaninoff's endlessly expansive lyricism. But he also imparted propulsive energy as needed, in the Allegro molto second movement and especially in the composer's trademark evocation of cascading bells in the finale.

To post a comment, you must register and login.