Maestro takes Sarasota Orchestra to new heights in debut Masterworks concert

In this much-anticipated opening concert of his first full season as music director of the Sarasota Orchestra on Nov. 7, Giancarlo Guerrero revealed an unmatched partnership with the orchestra and an ability to take it to yet unreached heights.

That is certainly the hope for this community, given that a world-class acoustic hall is clearly in sight, if not yet built. This night’s performance proved the Sarasota Orchestra is ready to step into a heady group of nationally admired orchestras.

The immediately lovable "blue cathedral" by American Jennifer Higdon grounded in contemplation took us soaring above into the heavens. The layering of strings, prepared piano and the soft metallic hum of Chinese bells provided a heavenly atmosphere.  

The sibling solo relationship between flute and clarinet, brought to life by longtime principals Betsy Hudson Traba and Bharat Chandra, respectively, led the emotional arch rising into the heights evoking a blue sky.  

The peak of energy came with swirling phrases in winds and strings and the insistence of brass muscle. Each musical gesture, well measured and placed, brought us back to Earth as the clarinet ascended to nothingness.

Next to this neatly defined illustration, the wildly passionate Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23 by Tchaikovsky broke all bounds. With unforgettable melodies and fiery technical passages, all on stage charged past the expected frame with an inexorable primal force. 

Before I drown myself in hyperbole, let me simply say pianist Alessio Bax is a stunning artist – crazy with the flash of technique but surgical with his surprising nuances of color and interpretation.

With "blue cathedral," Guerrero was precise and clear. But leading Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Op. 45, Guerrero was energetically unleashed.

Ably matching the discipline and outbursts of Bax, he urged even greater expression from the musicians. The orchestra responded — bold, bright and fearless.

Symphonic Dances represents the best of Rachmaninoff and is his final composition. It displays his gift for melody and his slightly twisted sense of turbulence and torment.  

In three movements, we were treated to such a variety of colors and devices that was unsettling yet so beautiful.

Repeatedly the orchestra burst forth will surprising vigor, as Guerrero unleashed such a glorious sound. The musicians played with such great force and brilliance that it was obvious that the orchestra has outgrown our dear Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 

And that is the promise of Guerrero. Having guided the Nashville Symphony through a similar path to a new concert hall and greater acclaim, this concert gives me great confidence that he will do the same for Sarasota.