New Beginnings: Season Opening Gala ★★★★½
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Hamer Hall, February 25
After a COVID-induced delay, the musical marriage between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and its new chief conductor, Jaime Martin, has finally been consummated. Commencing his new role, Martin chose music that alluded to new beginnings and celebrated three of the orchestra’s core strengths.
Jaime Martin conducts the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in its 2022 opening gala.Credit:MSO
Initially, the focus was on the orchestra’s principal musicians, who have been fundamental in sustaining the MSO throughout these past two difficult years. In a rare outing of Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 Le Matin concertmaster Sophie Rowell and other colleagues contributed sparkling cameos to this witty evocation of the morning.
Another incontestable strength of the MSO has been its pioneering First Nations engagement championed by Deborah Cheetham. In Baparripna (“dawn” in Cheetham’s Yorta Yorta language) she provides a colourful vehicle for the exceptional talents of yidaki (didgeridoo) master William Barton. Taking inspiration from the Mahler that was to follow, a quiet opening flared into a bold and unmistakably Australian dawn before settling into cheerful lyricism. Counterpointing the extraordinary sonic variety that Barton was able to draw from his ancient instrument with contemporary symphonic music made for an artistic act, rich in symbolism, that brought many in the audience to their feet.
Finally, the MSO’s expertise in Mahler’s music (honed by previous chief conductors Markus Stenz and Andrew Davis) found magnificent expression in a rapturous account of his Symphony No. 1. This familiar, yet astounding and cathartic musical journey revealed Martin to be a conductor with a firm grip of musical architecture; seemingly content at times with broad gestures and letting the orchestra have its way, although showing welcome attention to detail in the third movement’s funeral march. The finale’s titanic climaxes brought a rich, rare resonance to Hamer Hall.
Such a stirring debut offers great hope that this is the beginning of a vibrant artistic partnership.
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