New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Garth Wilshere
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Pinchas Steinberg
Soloist: Simon Trpceski
Michael Fowler Centre, July 8
Reviewed by Garth Wilshere
THERE seems no doubt that a charismatic piano soloist and populist Russian repertoire brings out the crowds with close to full house.
Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski impressed on his previous visit and he was the draw-card here. His technique and articulation was faultless and his Prokofiev Piano Concert No. 3 was memorable. It is a concerto we hear often, but with the NZSO in great support under Israeli conductor Pinchas Steinberg and a superlative performance from soloist Trpceski it was one to remember.
He charmed the audience in announcing his encore of a premiere performance of a delightful transcription of a Macedonian piece Skopsko Oro or Dance from Skopje, a trio arranged by Damir Imeri with Trpceski and fellow players, orchestra concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen, and principal cellist Andrew Joyce.
The concert got off to exciting start with a tight and rousing performance of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain with the full resources of the NZSO. Less impressive though was the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4.
Conductor Steinberg is highly regarded overseas but his interpretation of the symphony disappointed and had some soggy tempi particularly in the first two movements. Although the sinuous woodwind lines in the first movement were seductive, brass and especially horns with a guest leader and others lacked finesse and character. While the strings had power, bite and sweep it was not enough to redeem a less-than memorable outing of the symphony.
Conductor: Pinchas Steinberg
Soloist: Simon Trpceski
Michael Fowler Centre, July 8
Reviewed by Garth Wilshere
THERE seems no doubt that a charismatic piano soloist and populist Russian repertoire brings out the crowds with close to full house.
Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski impressed on his previous visit and he was the draw-card here. His technique and articulation was faultless and his Prokofiev Piano Concert No. 3 was memorable. It is a concerto we hear often, but with the NZSO in great support under Israeli conductor Pinchas Steinberg and a superlative performance from soloist Trpceski it was one to remember.
He charmed the audience in announcing his encore of a premiere performance of a delightful transcription of a Macedonian piece Skopsko Oro or Dance from Skopje, a trio arranged by Damir Imeri with Trpceski and fellow players, orchestra concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen, and principal cellist Andrew Joyce.
The concert got off to exciting start with a tight and rousing performance of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain with the full resources of the NZSO. Less impressive though was the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4.
Conductor Steinberg is highly regarded overseas but his interpretation of the symphony disappointed and had some soggy tempi particularly in the first two movements. Although the sinuous woodwind lines in the first movement were seductive, brass and especially horns with a guest leader and others lacked finesse and character. While the strings had power, bite and sweep it was not enough to redeem a less-than memorable outing of the symphony.
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