The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra maintained its strong run of classical performances last Friday with a program featuring cellist Steven Isserlis, guest conductor Earl Lee, and works by Schumann, Mahler, and Canadian composer Samy Moussa.
The concert at the orchestra's regular venue highlighted the ensemble's recent successes, including prior shows of Verdi's Requiem under Karen Kamensek and Holst's The Planets led by Naomi Woo. According to the review in the Calgary Herald, the latest event kept the streak alive through refined playing and strong leadership from Lee.
Isserlis delivered an immaculate performance of Schumann's Cello Concerto in the first half. The English cellist, described as the most prominent of today's English cellists, brought a refined tone and wide dynamic range to the brooding work. "Steven Isserlis was in top form in the Schumann Cello Concerto, powerfully plumbing the concerto's moods, his tone always refined and elegant, with a wide range of dynamic contrast," the review noted. His all-pizzicato encore drew strong applause from the audience.
Lee, returning after a previous appearance with the orchestra for Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, conducted with clear technique that allowed the musicians to respond effectively. The conductor avoided over-directing the soloists, creating a cooperative approach that benefited the overall performance.
The second half featured Mahler's First Symphony, noted as perhaps the most accessible of the composer's symphonies. Lee led an expanded Calgary Philharmonic through the lyrical score, drawing the main theme of the first movement from Mahler's own song portrayal of Spring. Solo spots stood out, including a fine double bass solo by Jonathan Yeoh in the third movement, along with contributions from the principal flute, oboe, clarinet, and trumpet player Adam Zinatelli.
The review praised the sense of refinement throughout, particularly in the Viennese second movement and the Frere Jacques third movement. "It was the sense of refinement that most marked this performance," it stated. Balance between soft passages and climaxes in the framing movements was handled with authority, and the eight horns added to the symphony's distinctive sound.
The program opened with Moussa's Elysium, a work for large orchestra that evokes granitic elements of Greek and Roman literary culture. The Canadian composer, currently working in Germany, saw the piece premiered by Christian Thielemann and the Vienna Philharmonic. The review called it "top drawer," noting its mostly tonal character and monumental effect achieved through sheer sound rather than conventional musical ideas.
Lee guided the orchestra through the piece's effects with a sure hand. While the work may not return soon to Calgary stages, it was welcomed at the concert for its impressive sonic impact.
The audience, including two teenage boys seated near the reviewer, listened with rare attention. The concert drew positive response overall, with Isserlis receiving particularly strong applause.
Looking ahead, the season will close with a performance of Mendelssohn's music for A Midsummer Night's Dream, including the Wedding March and Overture. Maureen Thomas will provide narrative, revisiting a program from the Hans Graf years, with Graf himself returning as conductor.
The review emphasized the high professional standard of the evening, crediting both the conductor and orchestra for clarity, tightness of ensemble, and lyricism. Lee was noted as a capable guest who deserves consideration for the orchestra's top position when a decision is made.
Broader context includes the orchestra's recent sold-out Vivaldi Four Seasons concert, contributing to what the source described as a good run of classical events in Calgary.