Review- the Rishon LeZion Orchestra

The undoubted star of this evening, soloist Boris Giltburg proved himself once more to be one of the nation’s best pianists of the younger generation. At only 22 he is already a ripe musician, with flawless technique and a mature, coherent approach. All these virtues were evident in his immaculate reading for Rachmaninov’s notoriously difficult Piano Concerto no. 3, making it the program’s apex.

Opening the evening was the world premiere for “Light, White and deep purple” by the 32 year-old Israeli pianist-composer Orit Wolf. Scored for a full orchestra with an added piano, this piece seemed to combine the unmistakable color of French Post-Romanticism with Jewish motives. Although largely based on Pastiche, the piece was tonal and pleasant and offered many enjoyable moments. Most notable were the bits for piano, well reflecting Wolf’s strong background of writing for that instrument.

Concluding the evening was Brahms’s Symphony no. 1, sweepingly and convincingly performed under the sure hand of American conductor Arthur Fagen.

The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion. Pianist: Boris Giltburg. Conductor: Arthur Fagen. Meir Nitzan Performing Arts Center, Rishon Lezion. December 9.