Sunday, July 28, 1996
Solo stars to join the Kirov Orchestra in weeklong concert
By Krystn Lee
Summer Bruin Contributor
The Russian Kirov Orchestra is back in town for a weeklong series of performances at the Hollywood Bowl, under the charismatic leadership of conductor Valery Gergiev.
He and the Kirov Orchestra made their first appearance at the Bowl during the 1994-95 season. Their second appearance at the Bowl capitalizes on this experience with the accompanying Kirov Orchestra Chorus.
At each weekday performance, the Kirov will introduce a solo star making their debut at the Bowl. Alexander Toradze, a pianist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will provide accompaniment throughout the week.
The program begins with a Russian repertory including Prokofiev and opera diva Olga Borodina on July 30-31.
Though the Kirov is famous for its wide repertory, a Russian repertory is essential in their Western performances, as Gergiev has noted to Opera News, for "we are representing our nation."
The week's exciting events conclude Aug. 2-4, when Gergiev conducts the Hollywood Bowl's annual Tchaikovsky Spectacular. This event features the unusual partnership of pianist Nikolai Lugansky, winner of the 1994 Tchaikovsky competition, and the USC Trojan marching band.
The Sunday show differs from the Friday and Saturday shows, but all include Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture, accompanied by an explosion of fireworks.
Between the performances of Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, the Kirov Orchestra will be joined by such musical talent as tenor Nikolai Gassiev and 19-year-old trumpet prodigy Sergei Nariakov.
Despite their current international status, the Kirov Orchestra and Gergiev were unsure of their future in Russian music only a decade ago. Directly after an Aug. 19, 1986 performance in Edinbourgh, they were informed of a political coup against the Gorbachev government.
With Gergiev scheduled to conduct in San Francisco, the musicians to play in Italy, and the Chorus to fly home, there seemed little anyone could do but hope. To the music world's relief, the Kirov Orchestra not only survived, but became an increasingly international musical force.
Today, the Kirov is touted as one of the most eminent, if not the most eminent, Russian orchestra, known for its artistic and physical energy. The orchestra has performed in major musical cities such as London, Zurich, Paris and Hamburg, to nearly all rave reviews.
After Gergiev regrouped the Kirov, his personal agenda was to make the Kirov a creative international orchestra. His tireless energy and impatience with the status quo rightly earned him the Opera News' nickname, "Intrepid."
Gergiev is notorious for his last-minute appearances, an implication of both performance anxiety and confidence. True to form, he will arrive in Los Angeles with the Kirov Orchestra on Mon., July 29, only a day before the opening night, sure to keep the rehearsal staff as well as his audience breathless.
Concerts: The Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, will be at the Hollywood Bowl July 30 Aug. 4. Call (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000.
CHRIS LEE
Valery Gergiev conducts the spectacular Russian Kirov Orchestra.