The estimable and appealing Thomas Crawford who led (and founded) this orchestra remarked in an enjoyable pre-concert talk that he was confident that the first work on this program—the excellent, little-known Symphony No. 10 by the rarely encountered Cipriani Potter—was receiving its New York premiere and would never be heard by the audience again. The influence of Ludwig van Beethoven was keenly felt here while the piece was admired by—as well as conducted by—Richard Wagner. The strengths of this ensemble were at their most evident in this performance, especially with respect to the conductor's splendid command over tempo.

 

Crawford described the next work—the resplendent set of songs, Les nuits d'été, by the visionary Hector Berlioz—as one that he cannot understand and that sounds almost random, calling it "enigmatic, inexplicable and rapturous"—he added that despite his incomprehension, he intended to program more by this composer because the texture is so different from other music they play. The superb performance was most remarkable for the stunning presence of the lovely and amazing soloist, Juilliard student Avery Amereau, whom I've been privileged to hear sing several times and whom Crawford noted with astonishment was that most uncommon creature, a contralto—indeed, on this account she was recently profiled by the New York Times. 

 

The second half of the concert was devoted to a compelling rendition of the great Felix Mendelssohn's magisterial "Scottish" Symphony. (This was a fitting counterpart to the composer's lesser-known "Reformation" Symphony heard at Carnegie Hall the previous day, played by the Senior Concert Orchestra of New York.) 

 

I look forward to attending the other performances by the American Classical Orchestra being presented this season.