February 2nd’s Masterworks Concert saw the return of two iconic figures to Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. Günther Herbig, TSO music director from 1988-1994 was warmly welcomed back to Toronto to lead the orchestra through the week’s concerts. Pianist Anton Kuerti was also greatly received by the audience, making his 40th appearance with the TSO.
Bruckner fans are a dedicated and erudite bunch: a quick stare at the Wikipedia entry or the Bruckner Society's website gives you more to read than you can possibly imagine about Bruckner's life and approach to his work, and last night's performance of his unfinished Ninth Symphony had more audience members poring over copies of the score than most concerts.There's certainly plenty to pore over.
