Wonder of Chopin concert- celebrating Chopin’s 200th Birthday!

The Wonder of Chopin was the opening performance to start off the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra season, and this spectacular piece sets the bar high for this year. The Wonder of Chopin celebrated Frederic Chopin’s 200th birthday, highlighting his Polish heritage and culture. Calgary featured its own Polish Calgarian, accomplished pianist Jan Lisiecki in Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Also vibrating the Jack Singer Concert Hall was Saint-Saens Organ Symphony with the orchestra.

The exhilarating concert opened with traditional Polish dance choreographed to Chopin’s Polonaise in A Major, Op.40. No. 1 Military. Colourful and lively, creating an atmosphere of vibrancy and delight, the dancers performed skillful footwork and high energy movement- an incredible example of Poland’s wonderful customs and traditions.

Following the excellent opening act was the orchestra featuring Jan Lisiecki and their highly anticipated performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor Op. 11. According Don Anderson’s program notes, this is a composition in the first movement that starts with a strong beginning from the orchestra, introducing two major theme through out the piece – lyrical and dramatic themes laced with melancholy. When the piano enters the piece, it completely dominates the procession. The second movement is composed of a sweet melody, but is so overwhelming vocal, the composition imitates that of opera. Spiraling gracefully in and out of disruptions and calm, the song concludes with the progression into lively Polish folk music, Chopin’s major influence in his compositions and music.

The solo pianist, Jan Lisiecki, transformed into a composed, mature and powerful presence on the piano, amazingly adept at playing majestic and emotional notes and stunning the audience with his incredible and inspiring performance. Hardly focusing on the keys in front of him, Jan’s body movements fluidly danced as he felt the music of that of the piano and the orchestra. His head deeply nodding and his eye serenely closing at particular bars and notes, he expressed his total and somewhat otherworldly immersion of that particular piece.  The applause for this talented youth granted Jan three bows on the stage- representing the concert hall’s astounding reception of this gifted musician. Also, WeiJia (my equally incredible fellow blogger) and I were very lucky in being able to quickly interview him post-concert!

Following the grand piano concert, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, with Frederic Champion on the marvelous Carthy Organ, performed Camille Saint-Saens’ Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 “Organ”. Referring once again to the wonderful program notes, Saint-Saens based his music largely off the influential brilliance commonly found in the works of Hungarian composer and pianist, Franz Liszt, to even dedicating the symphony in the memory of Liszt. Commissioned by the London Philharmonic Society, the premier in St. James’ Hall, garnering the piece tremendous success and that of Saint-Saens. Considered one of the cornerstones of French orchestral music of the nineteenth century, the four movements, grouped into two pairs, incorporate the majestic sound of the “king of instruments”: the organ. Adding warmth to the “restless allegro” and “meditative slow section” of the first movement and the second movements consisting of a “flashing, fantastic scherzo,” the piece concluded with a spectacular finale, leaving the audience in awe.

Frederic Champion commanded the grand and imposing vibrancy of the organ quite remarkably, displaying the majesty of “the king of instruments.” Dominating certain intervals of the piece, the organ resonates throughout the hall, it’s usually eerie expression was instead performed to brilliance and superb sound of sensational awe. This incredible and prestigious ambassador to promoting organ of music, this talented musician showcased his splendid mastery of the organ. Magnificent reception in the display of a nearly immediate standing ovation, commending and acknowledging the fantastic demonstration of talent that evening.

All in all, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra world-class musicians contribute to Calgary’s incredible reputation of our musicians promoting the arts and culture. My grasp of Chopin’s grandiose compostions were limited up until that evening – being that a live performance can never truly be substituted for anything else. Every performance guarantees to inspire and astound the audience, young or old, and grants those that appreciate music the reason to love music.

Thanks to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for giving WeiJia and I front row seats!