Five years ago (ish) I had the privilege to give a concert preview talk
for the Staatskapelle in Orange County, CA.  They played the Bruckner 4th
(a Mack truck performance) and Strauss' Metamorphosen.  Their first encore
was a crashingly fabulous 10 minute prelude to Die Meistersinger.  I also
recall Sinopoli was ill and terribly distressed (his father was in his
death throes at the time, I seem to remember).  Never have I heard a
quality of playing, a commitment of intent or a luminous interpretation
to equal that evening -- and I have had the opportunity to hear many
orchestras including the Vienna and Berlin Phils.  (The only concert that
has ever come close was an awesome Firebird from the LA Phil under Salonen
the previous year.)

They are a modern orchestra with a 450 plus year tradition.  They are a
group of consumate musicians who are so in tune with each other they have
no difficulty in playing as one.  If they specialise in anything, it is in
bringing great music to its performance pinnacle.  In short, there is no
other orchestra I would rather hear.  I am distressed that I was unable
to hear them on their latest US tour -- especially the performance in
Orange County last week that included my all-time favorite work -- Ein
Heldenleben.  If you get the opportunity to hear them anywhere within a
thousand miles of where you live -- make tracks!

Yours musically

Tim Mahon
Alexandria, VA
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