By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO –The Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra’s (TICO’s) annual Pops Concert was an entertaining, musical event which had the audience laughing out loud at one point, as Victoria Robertson, a statuesque soprano, dressed as Wonder Woman, chased conductor David Amos around the stage. This was after he escaped her lasso, following the orchestra’s rendition of Highlights from the movie score, Wonder Woman by John Williams. Robertson then sang arias from two Puccini operas, La Boheme and Gianni Schicchi. Her voice was strong and resonant, a special surprise treat before intermission.
Amos often programs unfamiliar gems and TICO opened the afternoon with Rimsky-Korsakoff’s “Farewell to the Czar,” from The Czar Sultan. Mozart’s first movement from Eine Kleine Nacht Musik was performed by the strings, followed by Rialto Ripples, a rag by Gershwin, with a nicely played middle section for piano, played by Russ Peck, who later shone as the organ soloist in the second movement from Saint-Saens’ Symphony #3. The orchestra did well, especially the first violins in the opening theme, in this, the most serious offering of the afternoon. They also performed Selections from The King and I by Rodgers, arranged by Bennett, with good attacks and cut-offs, transitioning from one familiar tune and tempo to the next.
Morton Gould’s hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the spiritual, Go Down Moses was another selection which featured the strings. The concert ended with Sousa’s familiar Stars and Stripes Forever, leaving the capacity audience with the good feeling which such upbeat music can generate.
There were many smiling faces as the listeners headed for their cars. Some had their photos taken with Wonder Woman before departing.
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Wingard, a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony, specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via Eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com