The Pacific Symphony played with precision, panache, and most of all, heart! It was one of those "meat and potato" offerings that are so satisfying once in a while. I have never heard the third movement of the Haydn Cello Concerto played so fast. Wow! Truly a tour de force and very exciting. Heart-stopping. Of course, the final movement of "The Pines of Rome" raised the roof, but the new concert hall contained the huge sound without making it sound distorted or unpleasant. Very satisfying indeed, and the audience went wild at the end. Standing ovations for a very enjoyable program. Kudos to the guest conductor -- and to the Symphony!

 

Pacific Symphony performed Bruckner's 7th symphony. I really really loved it. I was not too familiar with Bruckner's work. I was kind of turned off by all the comparisons to Wagner. I'm so glad I stayed. It was amazing. The allegro and the addagio especially. The scherzo was nice too. It was very epic and sweeping and used a lot of the tonality/sonorities that I like a lot. 

"This month I am excited about conducting Messiah with the Pacific Symphony and reconnecting with this fabulous ensemble." --Giancarlo Guerrero

 

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