Russian National Orchestra plays glorious concert Wednesday

 

R. M. Campbell GATHERING NOTE

 

 

 

...The cellist at Benaroya was Russian — a young virtuoso of great talent, Sergey Antonov...

 

...To say the Dvorak is one of the composer’s greatest works is a cliche. It is one of his iconic works and a staple of the concert stage. The young Russian is immensely talented, and he brought that talent to the work in full measure. The performance was very much in the Rostropovich style — full-bodied, technically assured, rich in human connections. Everything about Antonov is accomplished — his vast technical resources in which everything is possible, and a long line that makes Dvorak’s music one seamless phrase. He produces a tone like Rostropovich, big and handsome that filled the house. One might think he was playing some great Italian cello but he was not. His instrument was made in 19th-century France by an unknown maker. Even more bravos to the young musician. I hope he returns to the symphony...