Gypsy Kings

The past few days have been a whirlwind for the NCO, and it sound like everyone feels great about the weekend's two shows and recording session. What I saw and heard from my lucky close-up vantage point was interesting and inspiring, so here are just a few thoughts before we get busy posting the behind-the-scenes content we gathered over the last few days so it's ready for the coming-soon launch of NCO UNCOVERED.

First, some more observations about Friday's Gypsy Nights concert...

I already noted how well the program flowed, and it was fascinating to see a guitarist of John Jorgenson's caliber distinguish himself as a soloist in front of an orchestra, as well as a composer. But many backstage agreed that the program would not have been the same without the mercurial presense of violinist Gilles Apap. Wiry thin, with a heavy beard and bushy black hair, he looks like a world-rambling bohemian. He could be a gypsy, though he implied in an interview I did with him that he isn't. What he is is an unbelievable violinist, with precise control and loads of passion that he can carry way up the neck into the highest possible notes on his instrument. But more than that was the spirit and spontaneity he brought to the whole night. Just a short while before the show was to start, he sprung one of those ideas on Paul that made him think uh oh, what are we in for? Apap said he thought he should start the show by playing solo, some Bach he said and some Irish fiddle tunes. What? You want to what? But something about the enthusiasm in Apap’s request made Paul say sure.

So at the top of the show, with the orchestra seated and the hall quiet after the concertmaster’s entrance, Apap began playing a slow movement from one of Bach’s unaccompanied suites from off in the wings. He didn’t even come out right away so the audience could only guess where the music was coming from. This was way off program. So then Gilles came on stage and wandered around like a strolling violinist, finally coming to rest in the traditional spot before segueing into, yes, a couple of Irish tunes. Not very gypsy in sound, but certainly in sprit. It was like the little free unpredicted appetizer you get on the table at good restaurants before a great meal. Then Apap took on the traditional role of soloist, and during the opening piece, “Gypsy Airs” by Pablo Saraste he really showed off his chops, playing with that combination of abandon and control that’s so hard to achieve. He again moved around more than you see most players, walking in among the orchestra almost to the viola section. He made eyes at members of the orchestra, really getting into the communication part of the music. It was just great.

To make a long story short, Apap also played a featured part in the Jorgenson/Carl Marsh piece, while David Balakrishnan’s “Trishula,” the centerpiece of the second half of the concert, was pretty much a concerto for violin and orchestra. Apap had to learn a lot of new music for this concert and it was as if he’d always known them. Finally, and it took Connie Valentine to point this out to me, Apap didn’t head back to his dressing room. He sat in the first violin section to play the concert-closing “Dances of Galanta” by Zoltan Kodaly, just like a member of the NCO. As Connie said, Gilles made a thread that ran all the way through the program. So true – and a fine strong silk thread at that.

A couple of words must be said about some of the other musicians who from outside and inside the NCO helped make the night amazing. Laurence Kaptain’s cimbalom arrived on Saturday morning just in time to be tuned before dress rehearsal. Despite only one chance to work through the piece with the NCO, he was awesome, hammering out a sound that was percussive, round, dark and sort of mystical. The NCO’s two percussionists Christopher Norton and Todd London had a LOT to do during the program, constantly trading out shakers for chimes for cymbals and African hand drums. They were outstanding. But my nomination for part player of the show goes to clarinetist Georg Klaas. I didn’t get to meet him to tell him how amazed I was by the delicacy, clarity and phrasing he brought to every one of his many solo passages. Paul gave him a stand-up at the end of the show, and he more than deserved it.

Comments

[Monisa Angell]

What a fantastic week with truly gifted and unusual musicians. This was an inspiring experience on-stage...we want to hear about how the it felt to be in the audience. Share, please!

[David Balakrishnan]

I am not sure if it is kosher for me to post on this thread being that I am one of the composers, but technically speaking, I was in the audience, so I'm having a go at it. Sitting in the audience, especially during the performance of my piece, was not an easy thing to go through. I literally felt helpless. Of course like everyone else I was enthralled with Gilles' playing, and blown away by the performances that followed. Then, when the second half started with my piece, my heart was in my throat, so much anticipation and hope and fear, felt like I wasn't going to be able to stand it. It is still quite a new experience for me to not be involved in the performance, and so when I am playing I guess I have some sort of maybe misguided idea that no matter what happens I can find a way to salvage the situation, but in this case--not possible. I had no choice but to leave it in the hands of Paul, Gilles and the orchestra. And to be totally honest, there were aspects of the performance that didn't match my expectations of what I wanted to hear, what I had intended as a composer. But then, lo and behold, there were other aspects that really worked in ways that I could never have envisioned myself, and which I would probably not have been able to let happen if I was playing. So in the end, I am very happy (and relieved!) to add my complete agreement to how beautifully all the musicians performed, and also regarding the particular musicians singled out for their outstanding playing, they truly deserve the acknowledgment. I am so very grateful and honored to have been a part of this, and, more than ever, acutely aware of how much I have to learn regarding the art of composition!

David B.

[Bill]

Bravo, NCO. The Gypsy Nights concert was not only Music without Boundaries... but music without limits... reaching more dimensions than exist. The musician-ship was without parallel, the composer-ship was of another dimension, and John Jorgenson and Gilles Apap were beyond that. I have never seen (sober) musicians having so much fun... and being able to watch (and hear) Gilles Apap 'play' was more than just a treat. We have been season subscribers for many, many years... and this ranks up there with the very best of the NCO. I wish you were recording that whole program rather than just one of the pieces. This sets the NCO 'bar' at a high standard... but we are confident that "Music without Boundaries" will find ways to pull us to further new dimensions in the seasons to come. Thanks, NCO.

[Marion]

Gilles Apap's solo performance on Friday was absolutely enthralling. What a great way to start off a show! Having never been to an NCO concert before, I was immediately enchanted by the NCO throughout the entire performance. Thanks, Connie, for the tickets!

[Russell Caldwell]

Gypsy nights was my first ever "classical" concert, and I must say I was not dissapointed. Maybe it was just the raw power of the Schermerhorn (that place is Amazing!) but I just felt in awe for the first 20-30 minutes of the show. Giles Apap is an absolute magician on the violin. I would know...I use to play when I was younger. I have never really been a big fan of classical music, but this show, the NCO and the Schermerhorn has slowly started to change my opinion. I definitely believe I will be back at some point in the near future for another show!!

[Miles Young]

The performances on Friday and Saturday were a great way for the NCO to really break through the boundaries! This organizations really has a firm grasp on making people rethink everything they knew about what an orchestra should sound like. The pieces were very moving and I would go back to see them anytime!

[Sunny Helms]

Enjoyed last weekend at the NCO concerts. I attended both Friday and Saturday nights. Each were very different shows, but both were amazing!

[Sunny Helms]

Enjoyed last weekend at the NCO concerts. I attended both Friday and Saturday nights. Each were very different shows, but both were amazing!

[Laura Musten]

I was enamored by John Mock and Isla during Saturday's performance, and had the opportunity to truly experience "Music without Boundaries". As a violinist, I thoroughly enjoyed how the NCO played multi-genre music, and how they incorporated fiddle styles, the concertina, and celtic guitar. Bernadette Peters of course not only dazzled the audience in her cequin dress, but in her powerful ballads and provocatively bold performance. I plan to attend many more NCO concerts in the future, especially special events at the Schermerhorn Center.

[Kathy Chiavola]

Whenever I attend an NCO concert I know I'm going to hear exciting new combinations of music and musicians. NCO concerts are real events and the Gypsy Nights was no exception. Gilles Apap and all the soloists were amazing, the new compositions were remarkable. Unlike many new compositions, this is music I want to hear again and again. I was so impressed to see Giles sit in last chair! on the Kodaly. Paul Gambil's relaxed introductions made us all feel like a room full of friends while his conducting was solid yet emotional.

Of course the acoustics and ambience in the Schermerhorn are exquisite. I'm proud that such a groundbreaking ensemble and organization is located here in Nashville, TN and showcased at the Schermerhorn.

[Matt S.]

Just a few comments about the show: Being a college student who loves a good rock concert, it was hard attending a classical concert without becoming restless; however, I have played trombone in numerous ensembles for almost a decade and have an immense appreciation for the NCO performance. Also, unexpectantly I was on the edge of my seat for most of the concert in one of the amazing Loge boxes in the spectacular Schermerhorn. I took my mother, and she agreed that Giles Apap was the highlight of the concert. He was interesting because his look was relatable to the style of music I listen to with his different look and long hair, only I wasn't at a rock concert; and I think the fact that Apap's opening solo wasn't even suggested until right before the show makes it even more awesome, spontaneous, and unbinding musically of the NCO. On another note, I loved the feet stomping, it was fun and unexpected. The NCO is living up to its claim, "Music Without Boundaries." As a last cheesy note; the NSO is inside the box, the nine dot puzzle is thinking outside box, but with the NCO, there is no box! And with no box comes no boundaries...

[Dane Hale]

The friday night Gypsy Nights show was the first experience I have ever had with the NCO or any orchestra. I was impressed! I loved the way the opening of the first song was performed. It was an amazing idea to have Apap walk out and starting up his performance, which was an amazing song! I was lost in the beauty of the music. I look forward to future experiences with the NCO! Thank you so much for the entertaining night!

[Patty Whitehead]

I loved this concert. My favorite piece was "Taratella and Revere" Good jobs guys!

[David Hancock]

It's July 3rd, and I just had a question.

uh...
When does the afterglow go away on this type of concert?