The cover for the Boise Philharmonic’s 50th anniversary season program reads, “Your Orchestra Unleashed.” That’s what Saturday night’s performance was, free and fearless.
The moment music director Robert Franz’s baton came down on the opening “Route 66,” Michael Daugherty’s ode to the American highway, the orchestra didn’t look back.
The night began with a governor’s proclamation lauding the Philharmonic for its educational reach and Franz’s ability to make it accessible. Then came a tribute to Boise benefactress Esther Simplot, who created the performing arts academy that houses the orchestra, Ballet Idaho and Opera Idaho. The performance was dedicated to her.
The orchestra tackled Daugherty’s colorful, cinematic verse honoring all-night diners and wide-open spaces with verve and spirit. The musicians moved as a cohesive physical entity with the rock-tinged beats, evoking what Franz intended, a feeling of unhesitating momentum.
The night’s centerpiece was the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s “Fury of Light,” a concerto for flute and orchestra performed by the sublime Carol Wincenc. Heggie, most known for his operas “Dead Man Walking” and “Moby-Dick,” composed the piece in 2009 for Wincenc’s 40th anniversary.
Heggie introduced the piece and read Mary Oliver’s poem “Sunrise,” which had inspired Heggie’s four-movement concerto.
Heggie elicits the idea of fire and light throughout four movements. The orchestra became flames that dance, rise and fall, shoot off sparks and quietly go out. Wincenc’s flute became emanative light. Her remarkable tone wove in and out of the flames of strings, wind and brass, rolling below and soaring above with near vocal quality. She dazzled with near perfect technique. She is a gifted player, and it was an honor to have her and Heggie help launch the season.
For the concert’s finale, Franz chose Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, nicknamed “The Fate Symphony,” not because it expresses fate as in the random occurrences of the universe, but because of “the fatal power which prevents one from attaining the goal of happiness,” the composer wrote.
It was excellently played by the orchestra, and not just in a “good enough for Boise” kind of way. Franz has launched a terrific new era.
The fourth movement ended the evening on an explosive high and bodes well for the season — and for the years — to come.
Dana Oland: 377-6442
