Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Music Director Ken-David Masur, center, with composer David Ludwig and bassoonist Catherine Van Handel. Photo by Jonathan Kirn.
“The Milwaukee Symphony’s water-themed run of three concerts has produced a variety of delights: exploring the basic tactile joy of the substance, seeing a reflection of our coastal cityscape in Britten’s Sea Interludes, and visions of sea nymphs and regal pomp in a Baroque program,” writes Brendan Fox in Tuesday’s (2/7) Shepherd Express (Milwaukee). “The final installment of the series was the most thought-provoking, digging into more ineffable territory with mostly contemporary repertoire. Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture … felt like an outlier next to rep from the 20th century and beyond, but set the tone … The cello section sang beautifully, and Todd Levy brought a light touch to the clarinet solo. The orchestra stripped down to a string ensemble with Sonora Slocum on alto flute and Julia Coronelli on harp for Toru Takemitsu’s Toward the Sea…. Principal bassoonist Catherine Van Handel … excelled in David Ludwig’s concerto Pictures from the Floating World…. Helen Grime’s Virga opened the second half with vivid orchestral colors, siren-like woodwind motives, and somber string melodies.” In Debussy’s La Mer, Music Director “Ken-David Masur brought care and intention to his interpretation … Thrilling climaxes, exceptional work from the cello section, and an overall great team effort made this a satisfying conclusion.”
