The SunBreak » berlioz

SYSO: An Astonishing Young Orchestra in our Midst

Philippa Kiraly — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 21:30:06 +0000

Over every five years or so, the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra experiences 100% turnover. How many musical groups contend with this and still manage to produce a polished performance for the public to enjoy? Sunday afternoon at Benaroya Hall, the SYSO, under music director Stephen Rogers Radcliffe, presented the orchestra in Part II of Berlioz’s Romeo … Continue reading →

A Blissful Autumn Afternoon With the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra

Dana Wen — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:45:46 +0000

On October 26, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra performed their season opener concert at Wallingford's Chapel Performance Space, featuring a delightful program of music by Hector Berlioz and Igor Stravinsky.

NPR’s Christopher O’Riley Takes Liszt Over the Top

Philippa Kiraly — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:11:33 +0000

There’s no doubt about O’Riley’s ability. There were beautiful moments of thoughtful touch, sensitive phrasing, fine technique throughout, but in fast, dense and loud passages—and Liszt loved these and inserted them as major portions of his compositions—O’Riley tended to go overboard and the results often were not as clean as they might have been.

A Colorful Seattle Symphony Concert Showcases SSO Players

Philippa Kiraly — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:42:10 +0000

Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture and one of two Debussy Nocturnes: Fêtes (Festivals), made a fascinating juxtaposition of two French composers’ ideas on street celebrations. Berlioz’ Roman one is almost rambunctious in its exuberance, pulsing with life. Debussy’s street procession starts much lighter-textured but is equally exciting and joyous as you hear it coming closer and closer then fading into the distance.