On Thursday evening, a nearly sell-out crowd at the the Tivoli Theater heard the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera perform an emotional and uplifting concert that featured two works by masters of the orchestral literature. Under the steady and insightful leadership of Music Director Kayoko Dan, the CSO played with energy and commitment, breathing new life into this extraordinary music.
The concert began with a deeply moving and heartfelt performance of the Cello Concerto, Op. 85, by the early 20th century English composer, Sir Edward Elgar. Composed in 1919, it has become one of the major works in the solo cello repertoire.
The truly exceptional soloist was the young American cellist, Joshua Roman. He performed with passion and commitment, bringing out the melancholy, intimacy, and richness of this amazing work, and with a complete control of technique that was in every way equal to its considerable challenges. Maestra Dan led the orchestra with nuance and flexibility through the compositions many emotional twists and turns. One could sense that soloist, conductor and orchestra were really collaborating, responding and reacting to one another in a very special way, thus deepening the listening experience of those fortunate enough to be present.
Especially impressive in this performance was the ensemble’s control and wide range of dynamics; the soft passages were quietly intense and the loud sections, full, strong and emphatic.
For an encore, Mr. Roman performed the Prelude from J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1, for unaccompanied cello. It was, quite simply, exquisite.