RPO Season Opener

Last night was the Season Opener for the RPO’s Philharmonics Series with Ward Stare (the orchestra had already performed a non-season-opener Pops concert last week with Jeff Tyzik). Kodak Theatre was buzzing with anticipation of Stare’s first performance of his inaugural season, and he did not disappoint. The house appeared full (either it really was almost sold-out, or their new ticketing strategy to move people down from the upper balcony is working). At 7:30, all of the musicians, who had been going through their usual instrument warm-ups, left the stage, and we could hear them tuning their instruments backstage. This was certainly different! And the usual no camera or cell phone announcement concluded with a remark that Stare would be available after the performance for program signing. Also different!

Jules Smith, the Board Chair, took the stage and introduced Stare, who acknowledged that this was as special night for him, and that it was an honor to come home to be the 12^th music director of the RPO. He explained his intent with the evening’s program, which opens his first full season – to highlight our wonderful orchestra. There were no featured soloists – the spotlight was on the orchestra. Then he welcomed them to the stage, as the rightful stars of the show, and the audience responded with raucous applause, which the musicians knew was just for them.

The first piece was Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Stare successfully whipped the orchestra into a frenzy at the appropriate measures. I’m probably not the only one who can’t hear that music without envisioning brooms with water pails, and I imagine that this piece is probably as much fun to play as it is to hear.

Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32 gave the orchestra another opportunity to fill the hall with their lush full sound, with the added bonus of a contemplative clarinet solo by the extremely talented Kenneth Grant. After the intermission, Stare tenderly conducted Barber’s Adagio for Strings from memory, and then the full orchestra took the stage for the finale, Respighi’s Pines of Rome. Stare’s energy was infectious – not just with the orchestra, but the audience, whose standing ovation was truly heartfelt. The concert ended early, and I don’t think I was the only one who hoped that meant we’d be treated to an encore, but after Stare graciously acknowledged the orchestral soloists, and the musicians by section, he left the stage for good, and left the audience wanting more. Very smart. Welcome home, Ward Stare.