Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted a combined orchestra of students from New York's Juilliard School and London's Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in a fine evening at the BBC Proms, performing works by Stravinsky, Berg, and Bartók.
International Collaboration
The collaboration between RAM and Juilliard is supported by the Global Exchange Scheme, funded by former RAM student Elton John. The orchestra brought together students from around the world, with Salonen himself being Finnish and soloist Vilde Frang Norwegian.
Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements
Salonen chose three 20th-century classics for the programme. Stravinsky began his Symphony in Three Movements in 1942, and its wartime associations were evident in its tormented and mischievous character. The piece tested the students while allowing them to shine, with piano and harp coming through with clarity despite being buried in the mix.
Berg's Violin Concerto
Vilde Frang brought a delicate touch to Berg's Violin Concerto, playing at the edge of inaudibility at times and turning to serenade the orchestra. She maintained an improvisatory quality throughout, with the orchestra responding in kind.
Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra
Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra turned every section into a soloist, with the ensemble displaying almost supernal delicacy and earthy moments alike. Salonen balanced everything precisely, allowing youthful energy its head. In the third movement, Bartók's dig at Shostakovich's Leningrad Symphony was delivered with a fruity trombone raspberry.
Encore and Verdict
The evening ended with a fast and furious encore of Stravinsky's Galop, keeping the whole orchestra on its toes. These are musicians on the cusp of professional careers, and no allowances needed to be made. The performance is available on BBC Sounds.
