A classical view (March 11, 2009)

Here are some of the latest reviews from the CVNC.org or the Classical Voice of North Carolina, a nonprofit, online performing arts journal:

The (Friendly) Battle of the Bands – Before the nearly one hundred strong Leesville Road High School Symphonic Band had taken the stage, their “grand entry” into Meymandi Concert Hall constituted a fine show in its own right. On the very grandest afternoon of the late winter, this band led by David S. Albert teamed up with the North Carolina Wind Orchestra of Michael Votta, Jr. for a joint concert. Full review

Triangle Brass Band  – "Around the World" was the theme of the Triangle Brass Band's fine program, given in Meymandi Concert Hall. The guest artist was euphonium virtuoso and conductor Demondrae Thurman, of the University of Alabama, and the TBB's Music Director, Tony Granados, was the evening's host and principal conductor.Full review

Raleigh Symphony Orchestra presents Brahms and Friends – Although it is one of that composer’s lesser known works, from the first few measures it could be identified as distinctively Beethoven. The Overture from The Creatures of Prometheus opened the program as conductor Alan Neilson led the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra in Jones Auditorium at Meredith College, under the sponsorship of Sageworks, Inc. The group made a fine first impression with this powerful piece. Full review

New Music for Old Instruments – Despite his affection for Handel, Thomas Beecham, the largely self-taught English conductor who made three more or less complete commercial recordings of Messiah, didn’t like harpsichords – he likened their sound to that of skeletons making love on tin roofs.  Full review