The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra delivered a captivating and diverse evening of music at the Ordway Concert Hall. Led by the creative vision of SPCO violinist Daria Tedeschi Adams, the program featured works by two Czech composers and a world premiere by the talented composer and musician, Clarice Assad.
The concert opened with Leoš Janáček’s “Mládí (Youth)” for Winds. The six wind players showcased their superb skills as they seamlessly transitioned through the fast-paced Allegro movement, harmonizing and venturing into individual directions. Bassoonist Andrew Brady then led the more somber Andante sostenuto movement, weaving intricate patterns with the rest of the musicians. The third movement, initiated by Julia Bogorad-Kogan’s vivacious piccolo playing, captured the essence of youth with its lively melodies and impish quality. The final movement enveloped the audience with its full sound and cascading flourishes.
Next on the program was Clarice Assad’s “The Evolution of AI,” a co-commissioned piece by the SPCO and New Music USA’s Amplifying Voices program. Assad’s innovative use of cutting-edge electronic musical devices, along with her theatrical and dance-like presence, created a unique experience. Clad in a glittery silver bodysuit, Assad mesmerized the audience as she manipulated her electronic gadgets, which responded to her movements and produced eerie sounds. The connection between Assad’s electronic percussion and Matthew McClung’s drums was particularly striking. As her character “gathered data,” fragments of famous musical compositions played, culminating in a captivating cacophony.
After intermission, the orchestra performed Daria Tedeschi Adams’ arrangement of Bedřich Smetana’s Quartet No. 1 for Strings, “From My Life.” Adams transformed the quartet into a piece for the entire string ensemble, emphasizing individuality within the group. The performance was marked by powerful solos from various musicians, each adding their own voice to the composition. The work reflected not only on Smetana’s life but also the cultural influences that shaped his identity. Polka dancing music characterized the second movement, while a cello solo introduced a sweeping romance in the third movement. The final movement took an unexpected turn with a high, piercing note, symbolizing the moment Smetana lost his hearing.
Daria Tedeschi Adams successfully captured the intimacy of Smetana’s quartet while showcasing the grandeur of the music. The concert as a whole was a testament to the talent and creativity of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the composers whose work was featured.
If you want to experience this captivating night of music, don’t miss the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra with Abel Selaocoe on Saturday at the Ordway Concert Hall. Tickets, ranging from $12-55, can be purchased at thespco.org.