By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO–The Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) devoted its entire February 1 concert to the works of the great French composer, Camille Saint-Saens. According to Gdal Saleski, in his “Famous Musicians of Jewish Origin,” Saint-Saen was born to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father who died of consumption two months after his son was born. Camille’s mother and aunt nurtured the child’s genius. Saint-Saens became one of the most prolific composers, writing his first symphony at age 16. At 17, he was named organist at the Church of St. Marie. His opera, “Samson and Delilah” and his setting of Psalm 150 are the only works which seem to indicate some Hebrew influence in his music.
For the TICO concert, Conductor David Amos chose a balanced standard symphony program, opening with “March Militaire Francaise” from the Suite Algerienne, followed by the Piano Concerto #4 in C minor with soloist Tatiana Roitman, and concluding, after intermission, with the Symphony #3 for Organ and Orchestra with organist Russ Peck.
It was unusual to have two keyboard soloists on the same program, one on piano and one on organ. Both performed remarkably well. Roitman, Artist-in- Residence at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, played with aggressive security and ample technic. She attacked the melodic lines with intensity and passion while the orchestra provided careful support. The opening strings were particularly caressing and sweet.
The organ concerto filled the Cohen Hall with great volumes of sound which were almost overwhelming at times. But it was exciting to hear this unusual work in the synagogue social hall. Russ Peck, who often plays for silent movies, performed on the rented organ with great skill. Two of the orchestra members covered the cost of the expensive rental to give the audience this special experience.
The hall was completely filled. The audience seemed to know in advance that they would be in for an outstanding musical experience. The musicians also were enamoured by the music. Although they enjoy exploring new music, there is something comforting and inspiring, playing the music of a composer whose melodies sore and whose harmonies are familiar.
The concertmaster chair was occupied by assistant concertmaster Adrian Bubb and Sarah Price-Keating served as his stand partner. They led their forces well. Long time concertmaster, Juanita Cummings, attended the concert in a wheelchair, smiling and cheerful as always. We wish her well.
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Wingard is a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony and a freelance writer based in San Diego