Jan 7, 2024, Shenzhen Grand Theater
Siberian Symphony Orchestra - Dimitry Vasiliev
New Year Concert
My goodness! One week ago I was in heaven listening to the Russian State Academy Orchestra, and now I have to wax as much lyrics on the Siberians! This new year program is rather different too, being chock full of Russian Blockbusters.
The first half is Russian. Concert opened with 吕其明 红旗颂, quite forgettable really. Then came Glinka Russian and Ludmila. It was a little on the polite side but very well played, as were 2 interludes from Glazunov Raymonda. Then came a wild Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain, just spellbinding! This was followed by an atmospheric Borodin Polovitsian Dances.
The Second Half is Viennese. Three Strauss pieces, Russian March, Chinese Gallop and Emperor Waltz were Suppe Light Cavalry. Then followed Strauss In Pavlov Forest Polka (cu-cu) and the audience went wild! This was followed by 李焕之 春节序曲, which was alright. Then two more Strauss: Spring Voices and Tritsch-Trastch Polka.
Encores were wonderful. I knew all of them but by delaying the report I can't remember any of them! All I knew was that the near the end the audience were increasingly swept to their feet. The conductor by combinations of gestures was very good at working the audience. Despite the poor attendance (30 per cent or so) the audience was gratefully enthusiastic and involved.
The orchestra played on a very high level commensurate with the State Academy Symphony. The conductor was excellent. The strings are similarly small sized as the State Academy (touring formations). Similarly full sounding too! The only place where I wished they have the full force was in Night on Bald Mountain. Now, there was one woman (a very Russian sounding oboe) in the wind section and none in the brass. The sonorities were well blended and the Strauss waltzes a little more refined than the State Academy. An equally great concert! Come back soon!
The Grand Theater is an older venue but it looks quite well kept up and sonically very good!
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