Zukerman in KC

I was recently in Kansas City (that’s in Missouri, Mr. Trump) and I attended a lovely concert by the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra conducted by the Music Director, Michael Stern – son of Isaac Stern.

Soloing with the orchestra was the great virtuoso violinist Pinchas Zukerman.  One of the high points of the concert was being in their new (2011) concert hall, The Kauffman Center.  It is a spectacular facility, designed by architect superstar Moshe Safdie.

There are two auditoriums – the Helzberg Hall holds 1600 seats and that’s where the orchestra plays.  The Kauffman Hall is where the KC Opera performs and that has 1800 seats (by comparison, Wharton Great Hall has 2500 seats). It overlooks the city through 40,000 sq. ft. of glass. 

Helzberg is a beautiful space with a choir loft in back of the orchestra with a stunning organ in back of that.  The entire room is clad in wood, which gives it a warm feel and gives the music a rich resonance.  The acoustics were excellent, but at times had too much reverb.

The concert consisted of two powerhouse works – Symphony No. 39 by Mozart and the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Mr. Zukerman.

I was a bit disappointed with the Mozart.  It did not have the delicacy and clarity that I expect from the symphony.  Stern’s conducting was large and flowery and the orchestra in turn sounded a bit too romantic.

The Beethoven, on the other hand, was stunning.  This has become a signature work for Zukerman and he brought all the subtlety and heartfelt lyricism to the music that I've heard him do before. 

In the final movement he magically played with a pianissimo that was just above a hush, but the presence of his shimmering tone filled the entire hall. Stern did a lovely job of accompanying him and the orchestra and the violinist merged together to create a ravishing performance.