More than just words: Walton’s Façade in Virginia

By Phillip Nones, 15 June 2021

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“the skill with which Walton employs the instrumentalists at his disposal is more than impressive”

Reviewed at VWU: Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Virginia Beach on 14 June 2021

Walton, Façade

Hila Plitmann, Reciter

Fred Child, Reciter

Kevin Deas, Reciter

Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Players

JoAnn Falletta, Conductor

Resplendent interpretations by Yang and Falletta with the Buffalo Phil

Phillip Nones, 13th October

JoAnn Falletta demonstrates her customary excellence in colorful orchestral works by Ibert and Respighi, while Joyce Yang hits the mark in capturing the jazz-classical fusion in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.

****1

JoAnn Falletta and the Chooi brothers present varied Buffalo program

Phillip Nones, 4th May

A grab-bag of musical goodies from Bach to the present day showcases the virtuosity of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Chooi brothers.

****1

José Lezcano's Concierto Hispanoamericano premieres in Buffalo

Phillip Nones, 5th May

In Buffalo, old meets new in an insightful Brahms Fourth Symphony that shares the billing with a world premiere concerto for two double basses and harp.

*****

Insightful Elgar from Polo, Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic

Phillip Nones, 12th November

JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic showcase the rich diversity of four compelling 20th century works composed just 15 years apart, including Elgar's Cello Concerto, played by Asier Polo.

****1

JoAnn Falletta and Joshua Bell refresh repertory staples at Tanglewood

Kevin Wells, 6th August

The superstar violinist transformed Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto from a war horse back to the thoroughbred it once was.

****1

Malofeev's Prokofiev thrills with the Buffalo Philharmonic

Phillip Nones, 4th March

In a welcome reminder of what Russia can be at its best, Alexander Malofeev, JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic present memorable scores by Prokofiev and Scriabin.

****1

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Phillip Nones

Phillip Nones studied piano from age six, also playing percussion in educational and civic groups before moving to a rural area of the USA in 1990, where performance opportunities were few. Recently he has started performing again, participating in “side-by-side” orchestra performances and playing percussion in the World Doctors' Orchestra. His personal collection of music includes over 5,000 classical albums in all formats (CDs, LPs, 78s), plus downloads. In his professional life, he heads up a marketing communications firm in the state of Maryland. He blogs about the French composer Florent Schmitt here.

More than just words: Sir William Walton’s Façade gets the red carpet treatment in Virginia