I always try to get to CityMusic concerts. First, they’re free. Second, they perform in area churches that are a feast for both eyes and ears. Third, they are professionals with superb guest artists who are Grammy Award winners, like conductor John McLaughlin Williams & violinist Siggi Bernhardsson.
But how, I wonder, can a 32-piece chamber orchestra handle the enormity of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony? As it turns out, amazingly well — thanks to the glorious acoustics in Our Lady of Angels, whose gorgeous domed apse acts as a resonator that makes it sound 3X its size.
The concert opened with a jubilant Serenade by Hungarian composer Léo Weiner which announced the lush sound this ensemble is capable of. It was followed by a Mozart Violin Concerto ably performed by Bernhardsson, director of strings at the Oberlin Conservatory.
Then after intermission, the always thrilling Beethoven Seventh, whose each movement is familiar and powerful. What a gift to the city. Time to send them a holiday donation. For upcoming concerts, see citymusiccleveland.org.
[Written by Linda Eisenstein]