After the intermission of the Monterey County Symphony's final concert of the 1997-98 season on Sunday afternoon, timpanist Peter Thielen addressed the audience at Sunset Center. He read a moving tribute to departing maestro Clark Suttle and presented him with a handsome fruitwood music stand with a commemorative engraved plaque from appreciative orchestra members.
Thus, on Sunday afternoon we witnessed the end of an era. Mr. Suttle arrived on the Monterey Peninsula thirteen years ago in the midst of a great controversy caused by striking orchestra members. Not only did he survive this crisis, but in the process he built an entirely new orchestra, of which he and all of us can be very proud.
The final concert of the season began with a performance of Milhaud's
La Création du Monde. This jazzy work for 18 players, written in 1923, received a smart, tight performance, which exuded lots of stylish charm and wit.
The second work featured pianist John O'Conor, not as soloist in the Brahms Second Concerto, as was initially announced, but rather in the Mozart Piano Concerto in C Major, K.467. In this work we heard the graceful, elegant passages we have come to expect from Mr. O'Conor. But it was in the glorious slow movement that we heard truly sublime music making of the very highest order. In addition to his beautifully shaped phrases we heard some lovely added embellishments that were simply gorgeous.
The concert ended with the Schumann Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, popularly known as "Rheinish." This lovely work received a lovely performance from Maestro Suttle and our distinguished orchestra.
Thus, it is with some sadness that we witness the departure of Maestro Suttle. While he was here he accomplished great things, and he will be missed.
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