From the opening chord of the "Star Spangled Banner" to the closing notes of the guest violinist's encore, this opening night did not disappoint. In fact, this first of the season Masterworks presentation by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic was awesome. I know that's an over used word but it really was.
The first piece, Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" was lovely and lyrical and quickly overshadowed by the second piece, Bartok's "Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin." This was a jangling, jarring, exciting, totally captivating piece which I enjoyed but don't care if I never hear again.
Finally, after the intermission came the piece I'd been waiting for - Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77." It was no lullaby but it was an amazing listening experience thanks to the guest violin soloist James Ennes playing the "Marsick" Stradivarius of 1715.
He began studying violin at the age of five, has received numerous awards and accolades, and since 2024, has been a professor of violin at Indiana University. I truly hope you have a chance to hear him play. He was phenomenal.
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