Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Marin Alsop: A Concert Review

I recently attended a concert by the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop, at Suntory Hall. The orchestra’s performance was a mixed bag, with some pieces showcasing their skill and others falling flat.

The first piece, “Strum” by Montgomery, was a contemporary work for strings only. It began with pizzicato by the 2nd Violin and Cello, followed by a melancholic melody played by the 1st Violin and Cello. The piece was well-received by the audience and responded well to Alsop’s direction.

Next was Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 26 in D major, K. 537 “Coronation”, featuring pianist Hayato Kadono. The orchestra’s performance of the introduction had a modern sound, which was quite different from the traditional sound I had grown accustomed to. Kadono’s piano playing was clear and solid, but there were some mistakes in the first movement. The cadenza was a highlight of the performance, showcasing Kadono’s creativity and skill.

The second half of the concert featured Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 “Heroic”. Unfortunately, the performance was unmemorable and lacked the heaviness and richness characteristic of Beethoven’s music. The funeral march in the second movement was particularly disappointing, with a light and shallow performance.

The orchestra played two encores, including a piece by a young female composer named Eisendor and J. Strauss II’s Champagne Polka. The Eisendor piece was interestingly constructed, and the Champagne Polka was a lively and entertaining conclusion to the concert.

I would give the concert 2 stars out of 5. While there were some highlights, including Kadono’s piano playing and the encores, the performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 was disappointing.

Concert Details

• Conductor: Marin Alsop
• Piano: Hayato Kadono
• Orchestra: Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Program:
  • Montgomery: Strum (string orchestra)
  • Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 26 in D major, K. 537 “Coronation”
  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 “Heroic”
  • Encore: Hayato Kadono – Seven Levels of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations (Piano Encore)
  • Encore: Eisendor – “Dark Green” from “Atsinheira”
  • Encore: J. Strauss II – Champagne Polka

Rating System

We use a 5-star rating system to evaluate concerts. Here’s what each rating means:

• ★★★★★: A superb performance that will be remembered for a lifetime
• ★★★★: Very satisfied, nominated for the annual top 10
• ★★★: Satisfied, worth going to the show
• ★★: Unsatisfactory, I wish I hadn’t gone
• ★: A performance that makes you want to go home during the pointless intermission