“Lyrics on the Wing”
"Symphony's 35th Season Comes to Jubilant Close"
Ashland Times-Gazette
Frederick Reeder
April 30, 2005

The 35th season of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra came to a jubilant close with a concert of light pieces – harbingers of the welcome weather of springtime.

Conductor Arie Lipsky began the evening with Shostakovich’s bubbly "Festive Overture." With its sparkling orchestration and high spirit, the overture seemed to augur the promise of special things to come. The musicians of the ensemble were in high sprits as well, and, once the brass section warmed to its many fanfares, the orchestra once again demonstrated its ability to play with finesse and accuracy, bringing this joyous concert opener home with a bang.

There was an unusual atmosphere in McDowell Auditorium in that it was nearly sold out. Lipsky commented that the large crowd is not only gratifying to the orchestra, but that the "sound is so much better!" I’m sure Ashlanders who regularly attend the concerts felt a little thrill of pride to realize that the newcomers were hearing the polish, assurance and musicianship that we have come to expect from our orchestra.

Bizet’s Suite No. 1 from his opera "Carmen" followed. This delightful collection of the purely instrumental sections from the well-known opera afforded an opportunity for many of the solo woodwinds to show off their skill. Nick Stovall, oboe, and Denise Rotavera-Krain, flute. sounded lovely as they exchanged the lyric lines from the Act II Entr’acte, and the unison bassoon duet from Act III played by Rachel Guan and Courtney K. Johnson was a real high point.

The Suite concluded with the opera’s zesty overture which Lipsky played at a satisfyingly fast tempo. The strains of the Toreador Song evoked murmurs of recognition from the crowd which offered its approval with an enthusiastic ovation.

The major work of the evening was German composer Carl Orff’s dramatic oratorio "Carmina Burana." I must confess that the charms of this composition have always eluded me. The constant repetition of its rather unimaginative melodies and clichéd rhythmic motives are, for me, finally tedious. "Carmina Burana" is frequently performed as an accompaniment to choreographed staging, and it occurs to me that the piece might serve better in this capacity.

However, I had no difficulty enjoying the skill and careful preparation of the performers. It was very impressive. Besides the full orchestra there was a huge choral ensemble composed of the Ashland University Choir, the Ashland Area Chorus, the Ashland Symphonic Youth Chorus (Dr. Rowland Blackley, director), the Ashland University Women’s Chorus (Stephanie Sikora, Director), and the OSU - Mansfield Chorus (Dr. David Tovey, Director). Keeping such a large choral ensemble all on track is no mean feat, but Lipsky’s clear beat did the trick. The seamless blending of so many disparate vocal groups is a testament to the meticulous rehearsal by each group’s director.

The three soloists, Susan Wallin, soprano, Tim Sarsany, tenor, and Brian Keith Johnson, baritone were all extremely skillful in their dramatic and vocal presentations. Ms. Wallin and Mr. Johnson had the lion’s share of the work, and both not only demonstrated really superior technique but also the ability to convey meaning and character.

At the work’s conclusion the amassed performers were rewarded with a standing ovation — a fitting conclusion to a brilliant season of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.

-- Frederick Reeder