If you missed the opening night spectacular of the Kennett Symphony on Sept. 21, in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theater at West Chester University, you’re no doubt kicking yourself by now.
As my husband and I were leaving the concert, a good friend asked, “Was that the same Kennett Orchestra?”
For above the collective roars of approval, bravos and multiple standing ovations coming from the Swope Music and Performing Arts Center at West Chester University was the sound of tradition being broken, as the first of three finalists to vie for the position of new director of the Kennett Symphony orchestra took the podium. Former Director Mary Woodmansee Green announced her retirement last fall after 25 seasons with the orchestra.
The first of the three candidates to audition before the public, during the 2013-2014 “Conductor Search Season” was Michael Hall. If one could win the auditions on youthful good looks, charm, charisma, style and musical knowledge alone, the contest should be over right now. Done!
At 8 p.m., Hall confidently strode out on stage in black tails. And even before reaching the podium, brought down his baton for the drum roll to start a rousing National Anthem. The audience was on its feet in a heartbeat! Wow. The competition was on.
The first number was Kodály’s Intermezzo from Háry János Suite. While part of the standard repertoire in Kodály’s native Hungary, this relatively short number is not as familiar in America. But under Hall, the orchestra nailed its intricate rhythms and made its non-western modalities comfortable. At times, Hall reached out to the orchestra as if to literally grab a line of music — and they delivered.
Rounding out the first half of the concert with its familiar opening cadence was Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, which started with a somewhat light moment. After the Steinway concert grand was rolled to center stage, there was an uncomfortable moment of suspense when soloist Igor Resnianski and Hall failed to appear from the wings. Finally the stage manager came back on stage to push down the castor’s wheel locks, thus preventing the grand from traveling across stage during the stronger passages.
And Resnianski, an award-winning pianist of international acclaim did not disappoint, displaying strong interpretation and technique. During the solo passages, Hall turned, standing in rapt attention, watching every nuance of Resnianski’s performance. Did I mention his youthful good looks, charm, sophistication and style…oh yeah, I did – sorry.
After intermission, the concert concluded with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, from the New World.
But what made this concert standard ultimately amazing was Hall’s arrival on stage without his score, surprising even the members of the orchestra!
In an orchestral score, while each page may contain only three measures of music, it can include separate staffs for as many as thirty or more instrumental parts, many in different keys due to the various transposing brass and wind instruments.
Without the score, Hall was immersed in his music, his audience transfixed in their own new world. This was the Kennett Symphony as they had never heard it before.
After the concert, I e-mailed Hall to ask, “…Tucson Symphony; S.W. Florida Symphony; Winnipeg Symphony, Pacific Symphony; guest conductor with the Houston Symphony Orchestra....What attracts you to such a small town in Chester County in southeastern Pennsylvania , and what is it that's going to keep you here for more than a year or two?”
He emailed back, “I see so much potential in this organization, and I met so many people who want to see it grow and flourish. It would be an honor to be a part of their future.”
I have always held up the perfection of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony under the direction of Jed Gaylin as the epitome of a superb regional orchestra. Under the direction of Michael Hall, Jed might have a run for his money.
Oh and did I mention his youthful good looks, charm, sophistication and style?
About Sally Denk Hoey
Sally Denk Hoey, is a Gemini - one part music and one part history. She holds a masters degree cum laude from the School of Music at West Chester University. She taught 14 years in both public and private school. Her CD "Bard of the Brandywine" was critically received during her almost 30 years as a folk singer. She currently cantors masses at St Agnes Church in West Chester where she also performs with the select Motet Choir. A recognized historian, Sally serves as a judge-captain for the south-east Pennsylvania regionals of the National History Day Competition. She has served as president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates as well as the Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford where she now curates the violin collection. Sally re-enacted with the 43rd Regiment of Foot and the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment for 19 years where she interpreted the role of a campfollower at encampments in Valley Forge, Williamsburg, Va., Monmouth, N.J. and Lexington and Concord, Mass. Sally is married to her college classmate, Thomas Hoey, otherwise known as "Mr. Sousa.”
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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Hi Sally,
It was a pleasure to read your review. Thank-you for your kind words. You are doing a wonderful service for the community in spreading the word about the talented musicians of the Kennett Symphony.
Very Best,
Michael Hall