Performer: Nicholas McGegan

A late substitution turns a violinist-led showcase into a polished, orchestra-centred Bach Festival evening at Carnegie Hall. 

The Seattle Symphony offers an enchanting evening immersed in the joy and brilliance of both the young and the mature genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

The organ virtuoso is the undisputed star of an otherwise shaky program of Baroque selections.

Bach’s First Orchestral Suite and Schubert’s Fifth Symphony were perfect vehicles for the Seattle Symphony’s transformation into a vivid Baroque/Classical ensemble under McGegan’s dynamic leadership.

Two minor key works, performed before a – limited – live audience in Dallas, and streamed online. 

Familiar works by Bach, Handel and Corelli were enhanced by a fine performance of Mendelssohn's rarely played String Symphony no. 7.