SF Symphony: Michael Tilson Thomas conducts Berlioz, with Sasha Cooke, mezzo, and Jonathan Vinocour, viola, by Steven Kruger

Sasha_cooke
Sasha Cooke, Mezzo Soprano. Photo Nick Granito.


The San Francisco Symphony
Davies Hall, San Francisco
Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Michael Tilson Thomas, Conducting
Sasha Cooke, Mezzo-Soprano
Jonathan Vinocour, Viola

Berlioz, Roman Carnival Overture, Opus 9 (1844)

Les Nuits d'Ete,
 Opus 7 (1843/1855/1856)
Harold In Italy, Opus 16 (1834)

With the conclusion of last week's Symphony performances, the official concert year in San Francisco has come to a vivid but unexpected close. Normally, at this time of year, one anticipates listening to a monumental end-of-season work, but logistical difficulties this time prevented the orchestra from putting on Berlioz's elaborate dramatic symphony, Romeo et

 Juliette. Not to worry!

The Symphony audience was ultimately none the worse for its finale, experiencing instead Les Nuits d’Été and the still insufficiently heraldedHarold in Italy, in fine performances served up by MTT, with mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke and violist Jonathan Vinocour. A snappy rendition of the Roman Carnival Overture began the proceedings, highlighted by Russ deLuna's unusually characterful English horn.

Read the full review on the Berkshire Review for the Arts!

Michael Miller