Violin Concerto ...
It was an important season for this major work. The artistry
of Elmar Oliveira elicited ovations from the audiences and led
to such critical praise as that from Catherine Reese of the Salt
Lake Tribune. "At times, the violin threatened to take
flight; at others, the intricate double stopping made it hard
to believe there was only one instrument at work. Particularly
impressive was the vibrant third movement, with powerful strides
in the orchestra balancing the lyrical flights of the solo violin.
The Lees Concerto is a lyrical, engaging work." Writing in
the Sacramento Bee, senior critic Alfred Kay noted, "Lees'
'Violin Concerto' is big, serious, complex and important. It contains
a remarkable cadenza and what could be described as a frank question
and answer period between the solo instrument and the orchestra.
Fortunately too, it provides a soloist with numerous virtuoso
opportunities. Oliveira's performance was brilliant, clearly delineating
each note without compromising the concerto's basic form and objectives."
PLEASE NOTE:
No reproductions of photos, articles, music or reviews are permitted without permission
of the Estate of Benjamin Lees.