[...]
The concert began on a celebratory note, paying tribute to
Czech-born Toronto-based composer Oskar Morawetz on his 85th birthday
with a rousing rendition of his exuberant Carnival Overture, a perfect
opener to this concert exploring facets of the modern musical palette. From its
brash, vibrant opening to its bravura finale, the overture offered several
charms: sparkling directness, a sense of playfulness, and quasi-Viennese
glitter. It was nimbly played, the large forces nicely balanced.
[...]
