Casual Classics starts off with stylish Gershwin
May 22, 2010

By Sarah Bryan Miller 05/22/2010 The ticket-takers and ushers garbed in sky-blue polo shirts are the first clue of something different at Powell Symphony Hall. The fact that you can buy a light supper in the lobby, where sunflowers in vases bedeck small tables, is another. Then there's the sight of the members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, clad in white tops and pastel scarves or ties instead of concert black: It's time for Casual Classics. The four-concert series of light classics also brings a different - and equally casual - audience mix to the hall, and an earlier starting time. It's a nice way to change things up. The opening program was "All-Gershwin," led by SLSO resident conductor Ward Stare. Each half mixed some of George Gershwin's lighter pieces with some of the composer's more serious - but still jazzy - works. The Overture to "Funny Face" is fine fluffy stuff, but it would probably be forgotten without the likes of the Concerto in F, which followed it. Pianist Terrence Wilson brought fine technique, along with delightful style and flair, to his work at the keyboard. He was thoroughly enjoyable to watch as well as to hear, and deserved the huge ovation he was awarded. Stare and the orchestra were in good form as well, holding up their end nicely. Stare could have done a slightly better job with balancing the orchestra and piano; there were a few places where the ensemble weighed down the soloist. The second half opened with another overture - this one to "Of Thee I Sing," perky, bright and snappy. It led into the lovely "Lullaby" for String Orchestra, which received some exquisite playing (from the solo quartet: violins Heidi Harris and Alison Harney, viola Kathleen Mattis and cello Daniel Lee.) They saved the most popular - and, arguably, the biggest - piece on the program for last: "An American in Paris." A horn blast that didn't quite come off aside, it was well-played, spirited and idiomatic, with all its varied jazz, popular and classical elements blending perfectly. Stare got a little carried away toward the end, with some overdone Elvis-oid hip moves. There were fine solo moments from many in the orchestra; assistant principal trumpet Thomas Drake stood out for his outstanding playing throughout the evening. There was one more indication that this wasn't a regular orchestral series concert: there was an encore. An arrangement of "Embraceable You" sent the audience out smiling.

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