Summer Perfect

The audience is thrilled. The first of 22 AYO concerts around the world is coming to a close here at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Rounds of applause, however, insist that the orchestra please never leave. What an endearingly passionate and beautiful performance it was, just like a summer breeze.

A fresh breath of air may be how the conductor for the evening, Mr. Pontzious, had hoped for us to feel. For the tour's concert program, Mr. Pontzious had selected an assortment of music that generates lightness and variety, "perfect for the summer," he had said. The music finally settled on for the first program was Strauss' Don Juan, Sibelius' Concerto in D Minor, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major.
Rehearsal before the concert in Beijing

Violinist Sarah Chang played exquisitely on stage last tonight. No wonder the concert was a sellout. Maestro Pontzious was dynamic, drawing from each orchestra member their emotions and attention with each wave of his baton. Tying an invisible but colourful ribbon around all, he bundled the orchestra into one, creating drama and harmony.

Tomorrow we will leave Beijing for the tour's second concert. We will return to Hong Kong, where Maestro James Judd will conduct and violinst Vadim Repin will play.


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