High hopes were riding on San Diego Chamber Orchestra’s Oct. 9 concert at Sherwood Auditorium. For La Jolla audiences, the concert began the apparently egalitarian regime of recently appointed artistic director Jung-Ho Pak. The delightful reality is that the beloved maestro, former artistic director of San Diego Symphony, has a “platform” in San Diego once again.
Rumors were rife from Pak’s initial meeting with the musicians several months ago. He challenged them on many accounts. After their first rehearsal, one began to hear from the players that Pak “is absolutely the right man for the job.” They seem cohesive and happy, indeed, smiling at one another, and when not playing themselves, they are actively involved in others’ playing.
Little wonder, for Pak is an exciting, involved conductor. The small orchestra and the intimacy of Sherwood Auditorium allow one to hear every nuance in the program, which was composed of “firsts.”
Most shiny and entertaining of all the firsts was the world premiere of “Milestones “” For Jung-Ho,” an olio of tributes from five composers who riffed on the maestro’s attributes and also on the letters of his name. The piece comprises Michael Albaugh’s “The Crusader,” Larry Groupe’s “The Idea Man,” Paul Salerni’s “Evening Scene,” Bruce Donnelly’s “The Explorer,” and Anthony DeRitis’ “On the Move.”
All are post-modern, playful melodists who write vividly and zestfully, certainly providing Pak an entrée to introduce his audiences to more such works.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Orchestra Suite No. 1 provided the sections to show off their impressive playing. Of particular excellence was the interplay between oboists Susan Barrett and Scott Paulson and bassoonist Ryan Simmons.
The program closed with a lovely reading of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. Again, the intimacy of the hall allows one to hear intricacies lost in larger spaces. The audience, apparently overjoyed with the sound, accorded the work, the maestro and the reinvigorated players a standing ovation.
“A Party for Wolfgang!” is the next La Jolla concert, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13 at Sherwood, 700 Prospect St. It’s a well-planned, intriguing program, comprising Frank Martin’s “Overture in Homage to Mozart,” Jacques Ibert’s “Homage to Mozart,” Alfred Schnittke’s “Moz-Art a la Haydn,” and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39.
Pak and San Diego Chamber Orchestra appear to be a winning combination that could be La Jolla’s hot ticket. Get yours now at www.sdco.org or call (858) 350-0290.
