CLASSICAL MUSIC REVIEW: Free "ExtremeOrchestra" program for families at OrchestraHall.
A new season of Minnesota Orchestra Family Concerts begins today at Orchestra Hall with "Extreme Orchestra," focusing on the outer limits of what the orchestra can do.There are examples of music at its loudest, softest, fastest and slowest. This concept provides a means to present beautiful music in a way that captures the imagination. Judging from a preview performance, the quirky and engaging program will thrill even the youngest audience member.
Violist Sam Bergman serves as emcee and delivers an effective stand-up comedy routine that delighted the weekday audience of elementary-school students. Occasionally he steps over the line, such as dismissing a piece by Anton Webern as "the strangest," but for the most part his patter is entertaining and instructive. When speaking with composer Philip Fried about his piece "Episodes," which has its world premiere in these concerts, they even embark on a discussion of music theory. Fried's piece was especially challenging, with dense layering of sound alternating with lyrical passages and moments of cacophonous dissonance. It was the one piece that provoked restlessness in the young audience. Nonetheless, it is admirable that a new work is programmed, particularly one as interesting as this one.
The program includes a wide diversity of music. Soprano Nili Riemer sings the Queen of the Night's aria from Mozart's "Magic Flute" to illustrate the highest sounds, and Steven Campbell's tuba solo from Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" demonstrates the lowest. In a highly theatrical move, Bergman initiates a contest with piccolo player Roma Duncan Kansara as to who can play fastest. For all the gimmicks, the orchestra, with conductor Manuel Laureano, delivers a high level of musical integrity. Once again, the Minnesota Orchestra has devised a creative way to help audiences of all ages enter the world of classical music. And since Target is providing all the tickets for the entire season of Family Concerts for free, there is no reason not to indulge.
