Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra brings depth to program of Bartok, Tchaikovsky

01.27.19
Joshua Weilerstein
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Weilerstein and the orchestra responded to her expressive, sonically rich interpretation as though engaging in a heartfelt conversation. Frequently looking over his shoulder at Shaham’s hands, Weilerstein created a seamless performance that brought the audience to its feet. 

[In Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathetique,”] Weilerstein and the orchestra played with precision and superb communication, both between podium and players and between individuals and sections. They brought elegance and grace to Tchaikovsky’s long, achingly beautiful phrases, crackling energy built of taut playing and brisk tempos to more strident, martial sections and artful, soulful expression to solo passages. The evening ended with a standing, cheering ovation. 

The evening opened with a riveting performance of William Grant Still’s 1944 “Poem for Orchestra.” Weilerstein and the Milwaukee Symphony gave a taut, well-balanced performance of the expressive, cinematic piece. 
 
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