Reviews

Though we can't yet gather safely in large numbers, and theaters, concert halls and auditoriums closed their doors, the performing arts have continued to produce music, theater and other live productions.  In fact, during the pandemic, we have gained stunning home access to local and worldwide performances, much of it either free or modestly priced.

When the pandemic is behind us, I imagine we will continue to have the option of live virtual performances both near and far away.  The tech platforms are in place and artists have adapted.  Nothing can replace the immediacy and thrill of live performance in halls and theaters, but to enjoy live virtual presentations from New York, London or even close to home is a desirable outcome from this year of sheltering in place.  And many live virtual offerings are made available afterward as on-demand streaming performances.

Locally, artists and presenters have adopted this burgeoning new presentation style.  The timing of when in-person performances can return remains unknown, though it seems likely that theaters and concert halls will open sometime during the 2021-2022 season.  In the meantime, the virtual virtuosos of our intrepid local presenters continue to bring us excellent music.

The Monterey Symphony has scheduled another series of Balcony Sessions for 2021, showcasing orchestra artists in live 30-minute recitals from various sites, including the balcony of their downtown Carmel office, local theaters, galleries and more. These events will be streamed via Vimeo to the Monterey Symphony Facebook page, YouTube Channel and IGTV. The sessions are available via Roku and Amazon Prime after the live events have ended.

Monday at 4 p.m., Associate Concertmaster Thomas Yee will play a program that includes music of J.S Bach, Fritz Kreisler, Telemann, Eugene Ysaÿe, Pietro Locatelli and a world premiere of improvisations on "America the Beautiful" by Charles Morey.

March 27 at 4 p.m., Dawn and Mark Walker, principal flute and cello, will present a balcony recital at the Pacific Grove Library.  The duo will play music by Arcangelo Corelli, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Vivaldi, Giovanni Battista Cirri, Franz Doppler, Joseph Haydn and Astor Piazzolla.

The Symphony's Composer-In-Residence John Wineglass recorded the world premiere of "Alone for Solo Violin," dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic victims, featuring concertmaster Christina Mok. This virtuoso performance took place earlier this month in an empty Sunset Center Concert Hall.  The work was filmed by Doug Mueller and includes mood effects by lighting designer Ken Smith.

Wineglass writes, "'Alone' is comprised of two starkly contrasting movements. The first titled 'Frenzied Lives' explodes at a very rapid 144 beats per minute pace indicative of humanity across the globe pre-COVID and then into the perils of a global pandemic all voiced by a single violin with live electronics added intermittently." He says there are glimmers of hope, even brilliance, yet also loss and isolation.

"With the advent of COVID-19, the second movement, titled 'Realms of Rest' exposes 'alone' time that most of the global community had not experienced in 100 years or so … It was a time to slow down, reconnect with family, losing time not just in hours but in weeks and months. Time during the pandemic for me was an odd ethereal feeling, hanging in the balance in this new normal."

It's a powerful and affecting piece and available for viewing on the Monterey Symphony Facebook page.  For more information on Symphony news and programs visit www.montereysymphony.org.