On Saturday November 21, 2009, Camellia Symphony Orchestra opened its 2009/2010 season with the program titled “Prodigies from St. Petersburg” featuring three Russian composers, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Sergey Prokofiev conducted by Music Director Allan Pollack.

This was my first time listening to Camellia Symphony Orchestra. Being a community orchestra, the sound, harmony and overall quality of the musicianship were impressive.

The night’s first piece was Overture on Three Russian Themes by Rimsky-Korsakov based on three Russian folk songs. The entrance of the first movement with the string section took us to a scene of pastoral and joyful Russian villages right away.

Starting with somewhat Beethoven like harmony, the score moves to more Russian and folk song like melodies. The work is not often recorded and I am more familiar with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture that uses the same theme. The sound of the orchestra nicely projected to the space of the Memorial Auditorium.

Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No.1 introduced more complicated forms and tones. Shostakovich dedicated this concerto of four movements to cellist Mstislav Rostropovich who memorized the work in four days.

The first movement opens with the Cello’s quick staccato chased by the string section. This sense of urgency keeps us alert almost like a driving scene from Hitchcock’s film North by Northwest. Then following is the slower second movement, Moderato. The beginning is melancholic. Then it develops into more sweeping and grandiose theme.

Tonight’s soloist, Burke Schuchmann who is a former principal cellist with the Sacramento Symphony was dynamic and versatile in his performance especially during Cadenza. With the beginning theme coming back during the cadenza in accelerating tempo, the cello was swiped into the orchestra and moved to the dramatic and fast fourth movement Allegro con moto.

Mr. Schuchmann chose Le Cygne (The Swan) by Camille Saint-Saëns for an encore, the night’s only piece composed by non-Russian. He mentioned that it was dedicated to his father’s 93th birthday. This elegant and exquisite melody took us to a lake where a white swan floats and moves through the surface.

The final piece was Symphony No. 5 by Sergey Prokofiev consisting of four movements.

The slow opening leads to the glorious climax. The following second movement is a fast scherzo, playful and darkly humorous. It reminds me of Prokofiev’s ballet music like Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella. Imagine ballet dancers with pointe shoes sweeping through the stage with quick steps. The lyrical and slow third movement is followed by breathtaking fourth movement Allegro Giocoso. Series of cheerful, energetic, and exhilarating tones turns into madness toward the end.

Camellia Symphony Orchestra played these demanding pieces beautifully. Particularly the brass section was strong. The wonderful performance is a result of many hours of practice and rehearsals.

The orchestra provides wonderful musical experiences to Sacramento community and is highly valuable. While the auditorium is a large space, there were a lot of empty seats. Perhaps, schools can plan a class trip to experience and appreciate music at a live performance. They only have three concerts a season and the performance is excellent. I hope more people in Sacramento community will take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the future performances.

Program: Prodigies from St. Petersburg

Overture on Three Russian Themes, Op28, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 107, Dmitri Shostakovich

Allegretto
Moderato
Cadenza
Allegro con moto

Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, Op. 100, Sergey Prokofiev

Andante
Allegro marcato
Adagio
Allegro giocoso