Jaeden Izik-Dzurko Plays Rachmainoff with the National Arts Center Orchestra
March break afforded me the chance to attend the NAC for a concert featuring 2024 Leeds International winning pianist Jaeden Izik- Dzurko, playing Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto with the NAC orchestra.
Bonus, he heralds from British Columbia, Canada. His stunning performance captured Rachmaninoff's thunderous “elephants" with technical bravado, while the depth of passion and expression he embodied shot straight to the core. In other words, it was a wow kind of performance that brought the audience to its' feet immediately with shouts of gratitude for the emotional journey. This 27 year old Juilliard studied pianist is a pianist to watch out for.
I was thrilled to enjoy the orchestra on a parallel with the pianist. I admit to not having heard the NAC orchestra for a while, and I had forgotten how polished they are. The talented female conductor, Jenna New, allowed Appalachian Springs ( Copland) to flow like silk under her baton, showcasing gorgeous sustained phrases. The performance was well described, evocative, colorful and sublime. The flute, oboe and clarinet were particularly outstanding in their solo roles, while all soloists are to be applauded.
To continue the program in reverse order, an equally enjoyable selection and performance was that of Kelly Marie Murphy's " A Thousand Natural Shocks". A welcome preamble by the composer herself (who lives in Ottawa) introduced Murphy's innovative orchestral composition that utilized effective 20th techniques, a composition that was always energetic, engaging, and entertaining, Overall, I was fascinated with the percussionists. They were a perfection of volume, tone and precision, while the orchestra as a whole was impressive in particular during thin textures, and quiet moments.
Don't miss a performance at the NAC here in Ottawa!
