Arts & Entertainment

The Mississauga News—February 13, 1991

Symphony show a huge success

By STEVE PECAR

Staff Reporter

It’s still early in the year but the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be hard-pressed to top its performance of last Saturday night.

Based on sheer variety, style and chance, the orchestra scored a resounding success by providing an exciting program that couldn’t help but succeed.

Opening with Johann Strauss’ Tales From Vienna Woods Waltz, the MSO led by conductor John Barnum, whisked the Cawthra Park audience off to a Viennese court conjuring up images of ball gowns sweeping across the floor in sophisticated dance.

The fast-paced tale was uplifting without being bold, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Classical guitarist Ed Stephenson then joined the orchestra on stage as soloist for Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.

Stephenson’s easy manner and relaxed playing immediately aroused the audience to his studied approach to the guitar.

The well-known concerto by the acclaimed Rodrigo provided few challenges for the accomplished Stephenson, who adeptly merged the classical with the modern — as was the composer’s intent.

Stephenson’s appearance was a homecoming as the guitarist was raised here and attended Port Credit Secondary School.

The MSO-commissioned Clair-Obscur by Denis Schingh was presented and this modern piece was a valuable addition to the evening.

The final presentation, Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, capped off a dynamic night of music with its story book qualities and familiar refrains that, when all was said and done, sent the patrons home to live happily ever after.