A Julliard graduate, the Bronx-born Wilson exhibited the precise strengths needed -- technical prowess, extraordinary finger dexterity and inherent ardor for this music. Wilson was an ideal fit.

In the opening allegro movement, the young Wilson handled the different sections perfectly. The beginning theme he played simply and straightforwardly. But the following embroidered development emerged articulate and compelling. In the plaintive adagio, Wilson captivated his audience with passionate, singing melody and an ability to extract it from even the densest passages.

Wilson's pianistic command brought excitement to fever pitch in the finale, offering clean, cascading octave and chordal runs. His brilliance carried over to the orchestra, which projected superior crispness or haunting mellowness as needed. The extended standing ovation only partly mirrored the thrill still hanging in the air...

- C. J. Gianakaris, Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette

Read the entire article