Classically Speaking

Violinist David Kim is the concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

He also performs as a soloist. This weekend, he’ll be playing Sibelius's Violin Concerto with the Ohio Valley Symphony, and next fall, he’ll be playing the Brahms Double Concerto with the West Virginia Symphony.

We talked about the music he’ll be playing, his experiences leading the famed Philadelphia Orchestra strings, and the challenges and rewards of studying violin seriously from a very young age. 

Also, we chatted about musical desserts, his recordings, and playing an expensive violin with cheap bows.  Check it out:

David Kim performs with the Ohio Valley Symphony Saturday November 7th at 8pm in Gallipolis, Ohio.

Related Links:

* David Kim’s Web site

* Ohio Valley Symphony

* WV Classical Calendar for November

Leonard Slatkin had planned to conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra next week in Morgantown. 

But this weekend, Slatkin had a heart attack on the podium while he was conducting the Rotterdam Philharmonic. He was able to finish the concert, and he is currently recovering and reportedly doing well. 

In addition to having to miss out on visiting Morgantown, Slatkin has also cancelled an upcoming performance with the Czech Philharmonic. He’s expected to return to conducting later this month with the Detroit Symphony (where he is currently Music Director). 

Related Links

* Washington Post: "Slatkin has a heart attack at the podium"

* Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at West Virginia University

* WV Classical Calendar -- November (including other events related to the PSO's WVU visit)

 
I make it a habit to attend St. John’s Episcopal Church evensongs in Charleston which are held twice a year, around All Saints’ and the first of Lent.

This past Sunday’s offering was outstanding and boasted the largest crowd I’ve ever seen there. While the parish supports this tradition, visitors from many other congregations attend as well.

 
 

 
The repertoire is always Anglican choral music, and Director Brenda Vanderford excels at it, as does her choir.

This music demands skill at singing both chant and a cappella, although some pieces were well accompanied by organist Carol Eich.

C.V. Stanford’s wonderful “Magnificat” and “Nunc dimittis” were lovely.

Soprano Rosemary Cardenas soared over the choir in the former and baritone Ray Shackleford was solid in the latter.

Precenter Wayne Eich negotiated the Versicles well, a difficult task.

 
I’d never heard the Basil Harwood anthem “O How Glorious is the Kingdom” with its strong unison statements. It gave both choir and organ a chance to shine.

 
 
My favorite was Eleanor Daley's haunting "In Remembrance" from her Requiem, named outstanding new choral composition by the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors in 1994.

A prolific contemporary composer, Daley has a gift for melody and text-painting.

"In Remembrance," set to an old anonymous text is beloved by choral singers and audiences as well.

I’d missed singing the hymn For All the Saints that morning, but was treated to all eight verses as the St. Ambrose Choir recessed. 

The crowning touch of all their evensongs is high tea. A splendid feast of varied finger foods with tea, coffee, and wine is always set afterward for all to enjoy. And there’s an entire table of desserts.

So – if you’re looking for something to do Sunday, February 21, 2010, head over to St. John’s at 5 pm for their Lenten Evensong.