March 27, 2025

In the early 1990’s a new orchestra was born, rising from the ashes of the then recently defunct New Orleans Symphony. It was a new breed of orchestra, one run by the musicians themselves. There were plenty of skeptics that said they wouldn’t make a go of it. The players were undeterred.
 
Here we are over 30 years later, and they are still bringing music to the Crescent City. The Louisiana Philharmonic is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States. Other’s saw their success and followed their model.
 
My relationship with the LPO began right from the orchestra's beginnings. As a young conductor, I was thrilled at the opportunities they sent my way, and it grew into a strong and lasting relationship. I’m sure the number of concerts I’ve done with them is in the hundreds. I’ve treasured each one. These are some of my oldest friends in the music world, and each time I get to see them again is special. They are sounding wonderful too, btw.
 
I added one more concert with them last weekend, the New Orleans International Piano Competition’s Concerto Showcase. This program featured three fine young pianists: Zhu Wang played Rachmaninoff's Concerto No 2. Chopin No. 1 was with Yubo Deng, and Mozart 27 with Yungyung Guo.
 
Each of these remarkable young artists brought their own unique gifts to these works. It was a joy to make music with them…bright futures are in store for all three, I’m sure.
 
One interesting hitch in the whole thing--the concert was to be held in the Rousell Hall at Loyola University, but apparently the boiler for the university was out. As a result, there was no heat in the hall.  Cara McCool Wolf, who runs the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans (the sponsor of the piano competition), and the LPO staff scrambled to find a place to perform.
 
What they found exceeded all expectations. The concert was held in the visually splendid Basilica of St. Stephen, an absolutely breathtaking space. The acoustics were definitely “catherdrally” meaning highly resonant with something like 3 seconds of reverberation time. It was a challenge to drop into that space without rehearsing there, especially in such intricately woven music. Kudos to the pianists and the LPO musicians for not only rolling with it, but for making it spectacular. The audience had an inspiring and fulfilling experience, and they let us know in their response.
 
It was great to be back among my NOLA friends again. I look forward to the next time.
 
UP NEXT
 
April 4, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
LANSING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Chee-Yun, violin
 
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts
East Lansing, Michigan
 
Sketches of Spain
 
RAVEL  Alborada del Gracioso
LALO    Symphonie Espagnole
MIGO  The Ecstasy of St. Teresa
FALLA  Three Cornered Hat, Suite 2
RAVEL  Bolero
 
#Louisiana Philharmonic #Chee-Yun #MASNO #Zhu Wang #Yubo Deng   #Yungyung Guo.