WASHINGTON, IL -- The Heartland Festival Orchestra's Oct. 23 concert, 'Power of the Concerto,' featured two young, brilliant soloists, and three concertos. Artistic director/conductor David Commanday termed the event "time travel."
Bach's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, opened the concert with soloist Victor Cayres, a powerful pianist. Beethoven's Romanze in F for Violin followed with soloist Ji-Myung Kim, a strong violinist. Then the two soloists concluded the program with Mendelssohn's Concerto in D Minor for Violin, Piano and Strings, a powerful, flashy, difficult piece that prompted a standing ovation from the audience.
Adding to the pleasure of this concert was the big screen above the stage, focusing on the soloists, conductor and musicians to reveal much more than is ordinarily visible to the audience. Watching the pianist was especially fascinating, as his skills were amazing.
-- Elaine Hopkins