Magical mastery of the violin by Latvian
soloist, Kristine Balanas. (Review by Barbara Trofimczyk)
There was a pleasing turnout for the KZNPO concert last Thursday (October 20, 2022) which featured two works on the programme, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto op 35 with Kristine Balanas as soloist, and Symphony No 6, (the Pastoral) by Beethoven. Justus Frantz was on the podium.
While the Beethoven symphony may have been the audience drawcard, the ultimate reward was the performance of the concerto by the Latvian violinist Kristine Balanas.
Playing on a 1787 Antonio Gragnani instrument, Ms Balanas's exquisite, warm tone as well as her effortless "eye-popping virtuosity" (to quote the programme notes!) was indeed impressive.
In the first movement, the soloist predominates most of the time, and due credit must be given to conductor Justus Frantz, for keeping the somewhat accompanying role of the orchestra in perfect balance with the soloist. The orchestra's eventual "tutti" moments were simply breathtaking!
The 2nd movement was one long beautifully-played “song”, while the very lively finale, requiring close cooperation between soloist and conductor, was brilliantly executed. All in all, it was a deeply satisfying performance of this great concerto. The audience was ecstatic!
One can easily understand why Beethoven's Sixth Sympathy, complete with descriptive titles to guide the listener, and recognisable sounds of nature such as bird calls and a raging thunderstorm, is so popular. Justus Frantz and the orchestra rendered a convincing and enjoyable performance of this great symphony. - Barbara Trofimczyk
The final concert in the KZN Philharmonic’s 2022 Spring Season will take place on October 27, 2022, in the Playhouse Opera at 19h00. Booking is through Quicket outlets.
For more information call 031 369 9438, email bookings@kznphil.org.za or visit www.kznphil.org.za
To link directly to the orchestra’s
website, click on the advert on the top right-hand side of this article
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