Reviews

The Monterey Symphony's new conductor Jayce Ogren leads the orchestra this weekend in two classical gems paired with new works by the Chicago Symphony's composer-in-residence Jessie Montgomery. Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 form the heart of this program, the second set of concerts in the Symphony's 2022-2023 Overture season.

Regarded as one of the most innovative and versatile conductors of his generation, Ogren dazzled patrons with his season opener in November as the Symphony's new music director. He displayed poetic musical vision and a virtuoso conducting style that thrilled his listeners. For many, it has been a long winter's wait for Ogren's inaugural season to resume.

Ogren describes Montgomery's music as brilliant and tuneful. "She is a wonderful composer and violinist who lives in New York City. She's also one of the leading black composers in the U.S. and has been a model and inspiration for many women and many young black composers. These two pieces we are doing are both for string orchestra. She writes so wonderfully for strings. I love Jessie's works." He says these compositions in his mind fit well with music of the Classical period of the Enlightenment and the instrumentation of the Mozart and Beethoven works Montgomery's pieces will accompany.

Rising-star pianist Ran Dank joins the orchestra as soloist for the Beethoven concerto, an artist whose performances have received critical acclaim for his mastery of a wide spectrum of musical styles. He has appeared with orchestras throughout this country and internationally.  Dank is a passionate advocate for contemporary music and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Naumburg Piano Competition, the Sydney International Piano Competition, and First Prize of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition.