The usual classical concert of Symphony under the Sky did not disappoint. A sublime doubleheader with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World” launching things. Then Brahms’ excellent Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77 performed by amazing young Canadian virtuoso Blake Pouliot. When the orchestra stopped for Blake to solo, it was high-risk trapeze time and he acquitted himself most splendidly.
ESO sounded 3-4 times better than usual thanks to an imported L.A. sound system which gave everything depth and a true bass bottom grounding for the rest of the musicians. The horn section echoed from the stratosphere, the percussion was crisp and not lost in muddiness, and the treble reeds were punched up considerably. No featured instruments were lost in the mix.This was a trial demo for the system and I hope it will become a no-brainer regular feature in the summer shows as well as at the Winspear.
Some of us long-time subscribers (our 25th year, since the beginning) were given a VIP Lounge special treatment with a selection of edibles, popcorn, and free vino bottles as we listened to a marvellous classical guitarist who played classics and pop pieces including “Summertime and The Beatles’ “In My Life”. A splendid preconcert experience.
All in all, possibly our best and most special evening at Symphony in the Park in memory and a perfect birthday musical present to end the summer.