“The summer heat moved uncomfortably indoors for the Baltimore Symphony’s concert Friday,” writes Tim Smith in Sunday’s (7/31) Baltimore Sun. “The a/c system at Meyerhoff Hall went on the blink…. The orchestra could have been forgiven for calling the whole thing off, but a the-show-must-go-on attitude carried the day. And some cool music-making (along with old-fashioned fans passed out by ushers) helped make up for the discomfort. Last-minute minor adjustments on account of the temperature resulted in a couple of snips taken out of two works on the program and the elimination of intermission…. The sizable audience, which included a group of nuns wearing full habits, didn’t seem to mind a bit. The concert generated a hearty response all evening…. Associate conductor Nicholas Hersh was his usual engaging self…. The ensemble delivered colorful playing.… Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ presented here in the souped-up Ferde Grofé version, provided an introduction to young, multi-prize-winning American pianist Charlie Albright…. Hersh drew a big, juicy sound and dynamic flair from the orchestra. Clarinetist Lin Ma launched the ‘Rhapsody’ with what, under the circumstances, could be called an extra-steamy solo.”
Posted August 3, 2016
