On a February evening, the Alex Theatre in Glendale was filled with an atmosphere of romance and elegance as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) presented a concert dedicated to French musical masterpieces. Under the direction of guest conductor Matthias Pintscher, the orchestra delivered an enchanting performance that captivated the audience with its nuanced interpretations and rich soundscapes. The program, titled "Impressionists," featured works by Berlioz, Ravel, Fauré, and Debussy, though only Debussy's piece truly aligned with the Impressionist movement. The musicians responded enthusiastically to Pintscher's leadership, delivering detailed and atmospheric performances that earned frequent applause from the sizable crowd.
The concert began with Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, a work that exemplifies the transition into modernism. This composition, inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé's poetry, served as a fluid reimagining of classical themes, setting the tone for the evening. LACO's principal flutist, Benjamin Smolen, played a pivotal role, captivating the audience with his evocative solo passages that nearly transformed the piece into a flute concerto. His performance, along with the contributions of other woodwind soloists, set a high standard for the rest of the evening.
The second half of the concert featured two dance suites—Fauré's Masques et bergamasques and Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin. Both pieces showcased the ensemble's versatility, moving effortlessly between the playful charm of Monte Carlo and the rustic beauty of the French countryside. Pintscher's interpretation brought out the refined contrasts within these neoclassical works, creating a vibrant and colorful palette of sounds. The orchestra's talented soloists, including oboist Claire Brazeau, concertmaster Margaret Batjer, and clarinetist Joshua Ranz, added further depth to the performance, contributing to the overall elegance and joy of the music.
Mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung joined the orchestra for Berlioz's Les nuits d'été, a cycle of six songs based on poems by Théophile Gautier. Despite her professionalism and intensity, some aspects of her vocal delivery, such as her heavy vibrato and occasional phrasing choices, slightly muted the emotional impact of the songs. Nonetheless, her performance remained a highlight of the evening, particularly in moments where she seamlessly blended with the orchestra's lush accompaniment.
In the end, the concert offered a delightful exploration of French musical traditions, blending the old with the new. Pintscher's thoughtful conducting and the orchestra's polished playing highlighted the refined contrasts and joie de vivre inherent in this repertoire. The evening left the audience with a lasting impression of the enduring allure of French classical music, as well as the exceptional talent of both the conductor and the musicians.