The New World Symphony Concert on November 12, 2011 at the New World Center on Miami Beach was Concerto Showcase I. This is always a favorite concert of mine each season. The concert features 3 winners of the New World Symphony concerto competition. I enjoy hearing young artists at the beginning of their performing careers. The program opened with the Concerto in B-flat Major for Bassoon, K.191 by Mozart, performed by Samuel Blair. This early work of Mozart’s from 1774, was played brilliantly. Concertstuck for Harp and Orchestra by Gabriel Pierne, performed by Grace Browning, followed. The Concertstuck dates from 1903. In the early 20th century in Paris, Pleyel and Erard were improving upon the existing designs for the harp. Debussy and Ravel composed for the harp during this period. The performance or the Pierne was glorious, and virtuosic, all about showing off the harp, and the harpist. The 2nd half of the program was the Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, by Max Bruch, performed by Daisuke Yamamoto. Dating from 1880, Bruch consulted 2 great virtuosi, Sarasate and Joachim, during composition. Bravo! the for soloist, the conductor, Scott Yoo, and the NWS. It was another good night on the Beach. People and their dogs were outside catching the WallCast. It was 71 degrees and windy. The change to standard time brought out early diners on Lincoln Road, so many families with children (and dogs ). The children were playing on the planted median, adding to the scene. So many times when I work with people relocating to Miami, parents have expressed concerns about staying on S. Beach and the children. My answer: Bring the children.
