• printer friendly
• mail this article
• iPod format
• digg

Thursday, January 30, 1997

MUSIC:

Famous orchestra uses music, not language, to convey their messagesBy Jasmine Pachnanda

Daily Bruin Contributor

Most people communicate through the words of a common language. However, the Israel Camerata Jerusalem Orchestra uses music to communicate, not only with each other, but with their audiences as well.

Performing in many music festivals throughout the world, this Saturday marks the beginning of the orchestra's first U.S. tour.

Made up of 33 members, 90 percent of the orchestra are Russian émigrés to Israel, many of whom have played in renowned orchestras throughout the world. And though it tours internationally, the Camerata performs over 100 concerts throughout Israel. Even though not all of the musicians can speak the same language, their messages are conveyed by playing music.

"Although this is a fairly new orchestra, and all of them don't speak English well, they communicate with the music," pianist Claude Frank says.

Frank is touring with the orchestra as a special guest. Together, they will perform two Mozart concertos, Boccherini's Symphony in D minor and Schubert's Symphony in B-flat major.

"These are great pieces," Frank says. "The harmonics are great and the rhythms are bold and beautiful. Mozart concertos are some of the greatest pieces for piano," Frank says.

Already praised by international musicians and critics, the performance hopes to win over UCLA audiences as well. Led by conductor Avner Biron, the orchestra has been lauded by the musical community.

Having produced a recording of the symphonies of Boccherini, Haydn and Shostakovich, as well as releasing a series of five discs featuring a broad range of pieces from baroque to contemporary, the orchestra has been lauded by the musical community. Touring throughout the world, the orchestra has had the opportunity to play in many music festivals.

According to Frank, one reason for the orchestra's success is conductor Avner Biron. "Individually, everyone is a good player too, and the maestro is instrumental in providing a good repertoire among the players," Frank says.

And Biron has played an important part in the success of the orchestra. An expert on the flute, he has been the musical director and conductor since the orchestra was founded.

"The pianist, conductor and orchestra have to be of one mind and one heart and pay attention to the details of the music. Someone has to make adjustments," Frank says.

According to Frank, these adjustments are made through intense rehearsals, where all components of the orchestra attack the challenge of performing these pieces.

"The main challenge is one of balance; it is not structural," Frank says. "It's also playing what's behind, on top, and in between the lines of the music. The orchestra cannot be too loud compared to the piano and vice versa."

With a wide reputation and a distinguished career of almost 40 years, Frank should be used to this.

Frank has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony. Along with solo performances in major cities throughout the United States and with other musical groups, Frank has also released a CD recording of Beethoven's 32 sonatas, which has been highly acclaimed by critics.

"I have been performing these pieces for a long time. I should know them and I hope it will be good," Frank says.

In the end, the orchestra hopes to communicate with the UCLA audience through the universal language of music, no matter what language barriers there may be.

"There is a divine spark and inspiration in these pieces. They are absolutely beautiful and removed from the earth," Frank says.

MUSIC: The Israel Camerata Orchestra and Claude Frank will perform at the Veteran's Wadsworth Theater on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the UCLA Central Ticket Office and at all Ticketmaster outlets for $30, $27 and $9 for UCLA students. For more information, call (310)825-2101.

Internationally acclaimed Israel Camerata Jerusalem Orchestra is on tour, performing with special guest, renowned pianist Claude Frank.