Elias Grandy / Critiques

That would likely be true even if there weren't also a quite impressive performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" featuring pianist Jon Kimura Parker as soloist. And BRKFST troupe members weren't the only ones dancing, for German conductor Elias Grandy proved a gracefully athletic leader on the podium, coaxing forth strong interpretations of all four pieces. It was clear the ample audience at Orchestra Hall found it a rewarding experience, for rare is the concert that inspires three standing ovations, or four if you count the couple dozen who stood after the Ravel that launched the evening. And a strong argument could be made for that response, for "La Valse" is a powerful work that leads listeners to believe they're floating into a dream state before it becomes a frightening nightmare. Grandy brought forth both beauty and maximum menace.