Part 1: Uncommon Concertos: A Fresh Perspective at the Symphony
I picked up the viola the summer before fifth grade, and while my earliest artistic desires were in the visual arts, music quickly became a path I seriously considered pursuing professionally. Though my university years led me into the vibrant world of theatre (a story for another time), this past season saw me attending symphony concerts with a newfound frequency. I'm excited to share my experiences from two recent performances at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra – one from the last weekend in May and the other just a couple of weeks ago – both of which featured a pair of rather unlikely solo instruments in their respective concertos. Fair warning: this will be a two-part post!
First Experience: The Deep Resonance of the Double Bass
My first unforgettable experience this season unfolded during the last weekend in May. The program featured the world premiere of "Memoirs in Time: Concerto for Bass and Orchestra," a remarkable new work by James Beckel. For local music enthusiasts, Beckel is a familiar and revered name, not only as a distinguished composer but also as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's former longtime Principal Trombonist. His deep connection to the orchestra and the city's musical landscape made this premiere particularly special.
Taking center stage for this significant premiere was the ISO's own incomparable Ju-Fang Liu, a soloist whose artistry on the double bass is simply captivating. I still vividly recall the buzz surrounding her arrival at the ISO; I was in college when I first read about her appointment in the newspaper's arts & entertainment section. It was an incredibly exciting moment, not just because the orchestra gained a new principal, but because that principal was also a woman, a truly inspiring presence in the orchestral world!
I was especially eager to hear this concerto, as I rarely get to see the double bass in the solo spotlight in classical music, typically thriving more in jazz. To my delight, the second movement of "Memoirs in Time" ingeniously wove in distinct jazz elements, offering a thrilling and unexpected blend of genres. I remember thinking about it all day, practically counting down the hours at work until I could clock out and get ready for the evening! As for Ms. Liu herself, her compelling presence onstage often makes her the true star of the show!
Second Experience: The Intertwined Voices of Oboe and Bassoon
A few weeks later, another concert continued the trend of showcasing less-common solo instruments (to me, at least). I've heard countless concertos in my lifetime, but never one featuring the oboe and bassoon together. This performance brought another world premiere: "A Through Line," composed by Indianapolis native Hanna Benn. It was also a privilege to have Ms. Benn present that evening; her background as a singer truly shone through its lyrical passages. Adding to the delightful jazz elements from the previous concert, the first movement of "A Through Line" also leaned into a distinct jazzy feel, providing even more unexpected rhythms for my ears!
It was quite fascinating to hear ISO's own Oboist Jennifer Christen and Bassoonist Ivy Ringel perform this work. Experiencing these two distinct instruments in such close, prominent dialogue was a rare treat. There's a particular pleasure in hearing these instruments take center stage, and this concerto was a wonderfully enjoyable and fun exploration of their capabilities.
The innovative spirit of these concertos, with their unique instrumentation and notable female representation, was deeply inspiring. Yet, these solo performances were exquisite preludes…what awaited after each evening's "intermission" (or rather, between posts!) were true symphonic masterworks, poised to elevate my entire experience to a realm of musical splendor and bliss. Stay tuned for Part 2!