Sacramento’s Community Center Theater hosted the opening of the 14th season of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Guests for the opening night, dressed in proper attire, were eager to kick off another year of great music entertainment. The show for the night was entitled Fire and Romance.

For this opening night an outreach was made to the Armenian, Ukrainian and Russian communities by featuring music from their rich cultural heritage. The evening’s concert was a great kick-off to the 2010-2011 season. Mr. Michael Morgan was the conductor for the evening.

Making his Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) debut was violinist Mikhail Simonyan. Ola Herasymenko Oliynyk, playing the bandura, was also making her SPO debut.

As I entered the Community Center Lobby the area was full of people enjoying a pre performance glass of wine, or champagne or just enjoying making conversation. People of all ages mingled in the lobby, little girls dressed in their Sunday best while boys wore suits or at least a tie. Some of the other guests wore stunning evening gowns or well tailored suits. Everyone eagerly waited for the beginning of the evening’s performance.

Several stations in the lobby showcased Ukrainian or Russian literature and other items including a bandura. An international audience attended the event and French, Ukrainian, German, Spanish, Italian, English and Russian was being spoken in and around the lobby.

David Nystrom welcomed the audience to the evening’s performance and said a few words about the performers for the event. He also acknowledged the general contribution of its sponsors and all who contribute to the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Nystrom mentioned the new Crocker Art Museum and its meaning to Sacramento saying that it has put our city on the world stage map. Thanks were also given to the Armenian community who had many members in the audience. Special thanks were given to the Sacramento Ukrainian and Russian communities for their contributions to the evening’s performance. Other thanks were directed towards Carnegie Hall for their partnership in starting a musical program that will involve 16 school programs in our area.

After the initial opening statements, Michael Morgan was introduced as the conductor for the evening . Morgan welcomed all who were in attendance and asked them to join in the singing of the National Anthem.

Yuriy Oliynyk’s Concerto No. 4 for Bandura and Orchestra started off the first performance of the night. The composer’s wife, Ukrainian born Ola Herasymenko Oliynyk played the bandura during Trypillian. Trypillian was made up of three movements; Dawn, Apogee, and Beyond the Horizon. The composition and performance were delightfully expressed and was a great start to the performances for the evening. The composer Yuriy Oliynyk is not only married to Ola but is a great pianist in his own right. He’s also a music professor at American River College.

The evening’s highlight was the virtuoso performance by 24 year old violinist Mikhail Simonyan. Simonyan, a Russian-Armenian, had a great on-stage presence and his musical development went well beyond his 24 years of age. Aram Il’yich Khachaturian’s composition, Violin Concerto in D minor was Simonyan’s piece. Simonyan’s presentation of this 3 part movement was simple spectacular. At times he serenaded the audience and followed by exciting them as well. At times as he moved from Allegro con fermezza, to Andante sostenuto, and ended with Allegro vivace were just awe inspiring.

Throughout his performance Simonyan stood and played. At times he looked like a rock star on stage as he played and at times almost as if posing for the cover of the next Guitar Hero game cover. If they ever come out with a Violin Hero Simonyan, without a doubt, would be the icon for that game.

As I watched Simonyan play I was mesmerized by his performance and at one point where he vigoroulsy played his violin images of Nero playing as Rome burned came to mind. Simonyan’s fiery performance was very identifiable with the Fire and Romance name for the evening’s performance.

Mikhail Simonyan’s presentation was brilliant and as he finished his performance calls of bravo and a standing ovation followed. He walked off the stage as the ovation continued. Michael Morgan walked backstage and brought Mikhail back on stage and both bathed in the glory of the moment as loud applause continued. Both stood on stage holding one hand to the other and raising their free hand, like matadors exhibiting their trophies after an outstanding performance.

Intermission followed Mikhail Simonyan’s stellar performance.

After intermission, Port Il’yich Tchaikovsky’s composition Symphony No. 4 in F minor; Op. 36 was performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Their performance was very commanding as they played Andante sostenuto – Moderato con anima, Andantino in moda di canzone, Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato, and the Finale: Allegro con fuoco.

The SPO’s performance encompassed slow and serene pieces that quickly turned to high energy portions. If the evening’s performance is any indication this year will definitely be a phenomenal year for the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra.

The evening’s performance was great start to its 14th season. Bravo!