Review: Orlando Philharmonic

On the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s opening night, Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, the evening opened with a charming rendition of American composer Ron Nelson’s “Savannah River Holiday.”

Next came pianist Jon Kimura Parker playing a virtuosic performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. Parker is a remarkable pianist who on this occasion delivered a performance of great delicacy and lyric charm. The OPO contributed a sensitive and energetic accompaniment.

After intermission came the pièce de résistance, Richard Strauss’ “Ein Heldenleben.” What an opening night for the Orlando Philharmonic, or any other orchestra for that matter! “Ein Heldenleben,” (“A Hero’s Life”) and the hero in this tone poem is that modest fellow the composer himself, Richard Strauss, the man often given credit for the best use of this musical form.

Musically, “Ein Heldenleben” transcends periods of boisterous Arnold Schwarzenegger-like heroics and ends in a reflective moment in the mood of J. Alfred Prufrock. Richard Strauss was a masterful tunesmith and is rightfully acknowledged as the orchestral heir of Richard Wagner.

Conductor Christopher Wilkins gave the piece an energetic good ride before its contemplative end, and the enlarged 98-piece OPO cooperated carefully with marked success. Concertmistress Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and principal French hornist Mark Fischer deserve special tribute for their notable contributions.

About Roney: Harvard’42—Distinguished Prof, Em.—UCF 2004 Fla. Alliance for the Arts Award (assisted by beautiful wife Joy Roney)