The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 59th annual SPAC residency got off to a fine start on Wednesday evening with the annual “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” under the baton of Marin Alsop. The concert’s traditional blow-out finale was the always rousing “1812 Overture.” No matter how many times we’ve heard the piece, that first mighty cannon explosion from out on the lawn still provides an unexpected jolt.
The evening’s unofficial start was the free Stewart’s ice cream for early arrivals. Things stayed sweet with the opening piece, five selections from the ballet “The Nutcracker” Opus 71. Candy canes, anyone?
The “Rococo Variations,” Opus 33, which followed, featured cello soloist Hai-Ye Ni, a fine player, certainly, but she performed as if in a trance. Her gentle touch and soft sound, while fully in keeping with the character of the writing, were still a tad frustrating. The quasi-concerto is a staple of Philly’s residencies, but it just never seems to speak in the amphitheater.
The least-known piece on the program was the “Hamlet” Overture, Opus 67, which was full of dramatic elements that recalled the composer’s earlier and more widely embraced tone poem to another Shakespeare tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” The music was dark, dignified and turbulent, often suggesting that betrayal and violence lurk right around the corner. The texture did eventually lighten up, though, and was highlighted by the beautiful lyric sound of principal oboe Philippe Tondre.
The thrills continued from there. After the last fanfare from the brass of the “1812 Overture” and a rowdy ovation, then came the fireworks. Spirits were high as audience members lingered on the crowded lawn to take it all in.
This was the first SPAC performance by Alsop since 2017 and her first appearance here since being named the orchestra’s principal guest conductor. She’s on the podium for two more nights following Wednesday’s performance.
Thursday evening’s program includes Holst’s “The Planets” and violin soloist Randall Goosby playing Mendelssohn. On Friday, it’s an all-American affair with Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F with pianist Clayton Stephenson.
The orchestra’s residency continues through Aug. 23.