The SunBreak » ludovic morlot

A nice mix of Brahms, Strauss, and Schoenberg, tied together with a Viennese theme, presented by the Seattle Symphony

Michelle Scharlock — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:19:46 +0000

The Strauss Emperor Waltzes were a light and lovely start to the concert. In this piece in particular, the quality of the playing and the crisp attention between conductor and performer was at its highest throughout the concert. Entrances were very precise and I felt that the string section achieved a warm richness. I had to ask … Continue reading →

Ludo Ft. Sir Mix-A-Lot is Uproarious Fun at Seattle Symphony

Michelle Scharlock — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:50:51 +0000

#SymphonySelfies and a self-proclaimed “Orchestral Movements from the Hood Night?” Yes, please. Seattle Symphony’s Sonic Evolution delivered a packed hall and a fun program featuring new works based on and performed by Seattle music legends. So honored were Ray Charles, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, pop group Pickwick and star of the show, Sir Mix-A-Lot. New … Continue reading →

Reveling in Ravel

Philippa Kiraly — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 22:00:50 +0000

Ludovic Morlot, just beginning his third year on the podium of the Seattle Symphony as music director, has shown he is a master at programming. This is particularly noticeable in his choices to open this season. Last weekend, he and the orchestra gave a wildly successful gala performance with pianist Lang Lang; this week began … Continue reading →

Seattle Symphony Premieres John Luther Adams’ “Become Ocean”

Dana Wen — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 19:10:56 +0000

An eager audience filled Benaroya Hall on Thursday for the world premiere performance of John Luther Adams' newest work for orchestra, Become Ocean. The meditative piece envelops the audience in a sea of sound.

Grappling with Britten’s “War Requiem” at Seattle Symphony

Michael van Baker — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:54:21 +0000

Britten's War Requiem doesn't recreate the cathedral as a bulwark of serenity, but as a frail structure ripped open, shot through with booming bursts and siren lamentation. It's a work with many moving parts: the traditional Mass for the dead, in Latin, glossed by nine poems in English from World War I poet Wilfred Owen.

At Seattle Symphony, Music on the Death of Little Children

Philippa Kiraly — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:00:07 +0000

Berg’s concerto, requested by violinist Louis Krasner, ended up with the composer’s distress and sorrow at the death of young Manon Gropius (daughter of Walter Gropius and Alma Mahler) emerging transformed into a memorial work dedicated to her. Mahler’s symphony, from 35 years earlier, channels the composer’s interest in a poem from Das Knaben Wunderhorn, where the words of children who have died describe what it is like in Heaven.