By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO — The Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra (TICO) concluded its season with an entertaining Pops Concert under the direction of its founder and conductor, David Amos, and featuring soprano Victoria Robertson.
The first half of the program began and ended with two unusual selections, Sousa’s The Fairest of the Fair March, the least military sounding of the March King’s works, and Music of the Spheres Waltz, by Josef Strauss, brother of the great Waltz King. Johann Strauss Jr. Another unusual offering was the Tahiti Trot by Shostakovitch, based on the tune, Tea for Two.
Amos continues to program seldom-heard works along with familiar favorites.
The rest of the first half included music from Guys and Dolls, the Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Sr. and the Thunder and Lightning Polka by Johann Strauss Jr.
Beginning the second half was Trumpet Tune and Air by Henry Purcell, expertly conducted by TICO’s principal second violinist, Jenee Wallace, this year’s Golden Baton Honoree.
A Little March in the Park, composed by Michael Wachs, proved to be an appealing and challenging work, well executed by the orchestra. The composer was present.
Victoria Robertson sang Puccini’s Vissi D’Arte from Tosca and the Gypsy Song from Carmen, with the orchestra playing Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours from La Gioconda in between, giving the soprano time to change costumes. The delicate opening cello soli of the familiar ballet music was nicely rendered.
When Robertson reappeared, she looked stunning in her Spanish Gypsy costume and danced along with her sultry-voiced singing, to the audience’s delight, including the six children whom Amos invited to sit in front during the second half of the concert.
The traditional conclusion of the concert, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, had the audience clapping and was an
up-beat ending to an enjoyable afternoon.
Along with many other musical organizations throughout the world, TICO will be including music by Beethoven during Its 2019-20 season, in commemoration of the 250 anniversary of the composer’s birth, Dec. 17, 1770.
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Wingard is a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com