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  • Opening offers the magic of Mozart, MacKenzie and the NBSO

    South Coast Today

    Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491 opens with an introspective orchestral introduction imbued with gravitas by the bass viols and haunting oboe duets by Laura Shamu and Ben Fox. Pianist Katherine Chi then entered into a pensive dialogue with the orchestra, articulating her part with crystalline clarity and purity of tone. She is a self-effacing performer who, instead of pouncing on the piano, quietly concentrates her tremendous mental and physical energy on allowing the music to express its intrinsic depth and beauty.

    Perhaps taking their cue from Chi, the ensemble played with powerful restraint and grace. Orchestra and soloist seemed to be enjoying intimate conversations, the way fine chamber players do as they explore different combinations of melody, harmony, tempo and tone color. Under MacKenzie's deft, unpretentious and inspiring direction, Chi and the orchestra delivered an outstanding performance, making both Mozart's music and the music beyond the music audible to the soul.