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Dec. 11, 2007
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Philharmonic full of holiday surprises

By JULIA OSBORNE
REVIEW-JOURNAL
REVIEW
What: Las Vegas Philharmonic Holiday Pops

When: Dec. 8

Where: Artemus Ham Hall, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Grade: A

Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor David Itkin understands that the holiday season must include surprises. He offered several of them in a varied program of traditional and contemporary Christmas and Hanukkah favorites Saturday and Sunday at Artemus Ham Hall.

From a stage festooned with flowers, between two large Christmas trees and beneath more than a dozen wreathes, the members of the Philharmonic were joined by the Las Vegas Master Singers and three featured performers: mezzo-soprano Leslie Harper, tenor Matthew Newman and soprano Athena Mertes.

The evening had charm from the first notes of "Christmas Overture 2000," a medley arranged by Itkin that included snippets of more than a half-dozen holiday favorites, from "Sleigh Ride" to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

The Master Singers introduced themselves with a bright "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," before several more grand selections throughout the evening, including a reverential "O Holy Night."


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    • Mertes won over the crowd with a sophisticated version of "The Christmas Song." It was far more operatic than Mel Torme might have imagined -- witness the climb of nearly an octave between "if reindeer really know how to" and "fly." Yet it made sense, the notes rising just as the animals might.

    Newman offered a bright "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and more emotional songs after intermission, including "Mary, Did You Know?"

    Harper made her presence known from the first note, appearing in a slinky, floor-length gown and bringing a new take on "Mr. Sandman," substituting "Mr. Santa."

    "Ding Dong Merrily on High" included arduous, and successful, trumpet work by principal trumpet player Tom Wright.

    Another surprise was Itkin playing piano on "In the Bleak Midwinter," with the Master Singers, as associate conductor Richard McGee took the baton.

    Many seemed to think the highlight of the evening was Itkin's arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," featuring the Master Singers and members of the orchestra. A mention of "three French hens" included strains from France's national anthem, while the "seven swans" were met with notes from "Swan Lake" -- and the "10 ladies dancing" brought strains of "The Nutcracker."

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    Geri Jeter wrote on December 18, 2007 11:40 AM: re Leo Kurchan's negative remark about Maestro Itkin's "unnecessary explanations" at the concerts:

    One of the goals of any classical performing arts group should be to build its audience. To do this, the art form needs to be approachable. Itkin, like Leonard Bernstein, James dePriest, and others before him, knows that the interaction between the conductor and the audience is critical for audience building and retention, especially when introducing new material.

    For the more knowledgeable audience members, listening to these brief intros is a small price to pay for the chance to hear unusual programming. And, if the symphony doesn't grow its audience beyond its current graying base, who will support it in the coming years?


    Pamela Parzych wrote on December 14, 2007 02:04 PM: Pamela Parzych

    I am a member of the Las Vegas Master Singers, I truly was very much inspired by the version of "Silent Night", it was new, refreshing, and extremely sensitive. Each time it was performed it posed a deeper stillness. I am very anxious to study for the next performance with David Itkin and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.


    Jill Popp wrote on December 12, 2007 12:05 AM: I am a member of the Las Vegas Master Singers, and the highlight for us was also "The Twelve Days of Christmas". It was a great experience to be on stage with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and with David Itkin. He is a wonderful conductor and I cannot wait until we do the next show with The Las Vegas Philharmonic.


    Leo J Kurchan wrote on December 11, 2007 01:28 PM: The LV Philharmonic orchestra found a very capable leader with Mr Itkin at the baton.The orchestra sounds in tune with the best in the country, or better.Concertmaster Letourneau is nothing short of excellent.For those of us who enjoyed classical concerts around the USA and most of the world,find this orchestra and its new conductor a great treat.
    Mr Itkin should refrain from unnecessary explanations about each piece to be performed. We're not interested in the private lives of the composers or what the significance of the opus is. Just play the piece and let us enjoy without a music 101 lecture.There are plenty of information sources if anybody cares.Great series of concerts by our Phil and welcome Mr Itkin.
    Leo J Kurchan
    Kurleo@cox.net


    Mark wrote on December 11, 2007 06:25 AM: Remember that not only did Maestro Itkin play the piano for "In the Bleak Midwinter" but he also sang the song himself. Brilliant work by all involved.