It has been said that if a person can count on the fingers of one hand all the musical experiences that transport you to another realm, then you are very lucky indeed. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Tuesday, February 25th, with guest cellist Yo-Yo Ma was just that — a transformative and life-affirming experience.
Playing to a glittering (black-tie optional), excited, sold-out audience, Maestro Robert Moody and his talented Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians not only rose to the occasion, they uplifted their rapt listeners.
The orchestra opened with John Williams’ “Superman March,” a well known favorite from the movie Superman. What followed was a splendid performance of Death and Transfiguration by the great German composer Richard Strauss. A tone poem, this Opus 24 is surely one of Strauss’ highest achievements. Written for a large orchestra, demanding of every player, the reading by Maestro Moody and our symphony was a triumph in every way. Bravo’s echoed throughout the Cannon Center.
Okay, let’s be real. Yo-Yo Ma was the reason for the sell-out. Rightly so. He is a consummate artist, not only as a musician, but also as a human being. His ability to draw every member of the orchestra, every member of the audience, into his world is nothing short of astounding. The cello concerto by Antonín Dvořák is a masterpiece. The performance by Yo-Yo Ma and the Memphis musicians transported the audience into the heart and mind of a great composer, and told his story.
Then, encore! Yo-Yo loves to spotlight local talent in every place he visits. On this special night he brought to the stage Memphis’ pride and joy – “Lil Buck” Riley, who is known for a style of street dance that orginated in Memphis called “jookin.” Now a world superstar, Lil Buck began his career with Katie Smythe’s New Ballet Ensemble. The treat was a dance interpretation of “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns. Yo-Yo and the cello section accompanied. It was an unbelievably beautiful capstone to a stellar evening of music.