On Sept. 27, the Colburn Orchestra, the flagship ensemble of the Colburn Conservatory of Music, under the direction of Nicholas McGegan performed three masterworks from the Baroque and Classical era. On the program were the Orchestral Suite in D Major, BWV 1068 by Bach; the Concerto in A Major for Clarinet and Orchestra, K. 622, by Mozart, with soloist Minkyung Chu; and the Symphony No. 100 in G Major (“Military”) H.1/100 by Haydn.
McGegan, a renowned conductor of Baroque and Classical music, showed why he is so celebrated as he led the Colburn Orchestra in masterful performances of all three works. If the audience had closed their eyes, they wouldn’t have been able to tell that the orchestra was composed of such young performers. The playing was polished and professional.
In the Bach, the trumpets were a standout. McGegan had them well placed and blended perfectly with the rest of the orchestra consisting mostly of strings.
In the Mozart, the star was clarinetist Minkyung Chu whose playing was stellar. Chu is an artist diploma candidate at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with the Orchestra’s music director, Yehuda Gilad. On Saturday night, she seamlessly moved from the rapid staccato to legato that Mozart requires of the soloist. Her transitions from the highest to the lowest notes were flawless, and her dynamics were nuanced. Overall, she had an impressive command of the instrument. Not to be left out is how well the orchestra accompanied her.
After a brief intermission, a larger orchestra returned to perform the Symphony No. 100 by Haydn. It is subtitled “Military” because of the addition of a bass drum, cymbals and triangle in the second movement and at the end of the finale. As with many of Haydn’s symphonies, this one sparkles and is a perfect example of the classical symphony that Prokofiev later modeled his Classical Symphony after. When McGegan introduced the piece, he said that it was written during a happy time in Haydn’s life. Indeed, many of the orchestral players were smiling as they played this uplifting late symphony, and the joy on their faces translated into a joyful and exciting performance.
The Colburn Orchestra was lucky to have someone of McGegan’s caliber to direct them. And he was fortunate to be able to lead such a talented group of young musicians. Together they gave the audience an hour and a half of sublime music making!
—Henry Schlinger, Culture Spot LA
For information about upcoming Colburn concerts, visit https://colburnschool.edu/colburn-orchestra/.
Photo credit: The Colburn Orchestra with Nicholas McGegan and Minkyung Chu / Photo by Henry Schlinger