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The concert opened with a charming reading of the Overture to Il Signor Bruschino by Rossini -- marked by spirited orchestral playing. In Beethoven's Symphony No 3 in E flat, Op 55 (Eroica) Oundjian conducted a series of episodes rather than the sprawling paragraphs that comprise the symphony's four movements. The Marcia funèbre lacked depth and was strangely unmoving. Throughout the performance the percussion was over dominant. Despite strong orchestral execution (particularly by the horns) this Eroica was ultimately threadbare.

Mozart's powerful Piano Concerto No 24 in C minor, K491 was given a towering performance by Peter Serkin. A true master of the keyboard, Serkin is one of music's most original interpreters and thinkers. The opening Allegro was played with the commanding power of Beethoven. Serkin's deeply searching view of the Larghetto brought forth the pathos and tragedy behind the graceful classicism of the principal melody. The concluding Allegretto brought powerhouse, heaven storming virtuosity. Serkin is an artist of the highest order!

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