David Afkham’s first appearance with the orchestra was quite a striking one, with dynamic performances of Mozart, Brahms, and Outi Tarkiainen.
Interesting that you mention Chicago, because David Afkham guest-conducted the Chicago Symphony the previous weekend, and the Chicago Classical Review write-up was pretty harsh:
https://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2025/02/tetzlaffs-sibelius-provides-the-highlight-in-csos-loud-and-uneven-outing-with-afkham/
Separately, off Musical America's site, Hannah Edgar's review for 'Musical America' has the header:
"A Disappointing Night in Orchestra Hall: Schoenberg and Sibelius"
Plus, this first sentence:
"Somewhere, Pierre Boulez is turning in his grave."
OTOH, this is a more positive review:
https://seenandheard-international.com/2025/02/violinist-christian-tetzlaff-dazzles-in-sibelius-and-afkham-and-the-cso-bring-schoenberg-to-life/
Overall, things sounded much better here by comparison.
It's also possible that I'm a bit of a pushover when it comes to SLSO concerts. :-)
Interesting that you mention Chicago, because David Afkham guest-conducted the Chicago Symphony the previous weekend, and the Chicago Classical Review write-up was pretty harsh:
https://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2025/02/tetzlaffs-sibelius-provides-the-highlight-in-csos-loud-and-uneven-outing-with-afkham/
Separately, off Musical America's site, Hannah Edgar's review for 'Musical America' has the header:
"A Disappointing Night in Orchestra Hall: Schoenberg and Sibelius"
Plus, this first sentence:
"Somewhere, Pierre Boulez is turning in his grave."
OTOH, this is a more positive review:
https://seenandheard-international.com/2025/02/violinist-christian-tetzlaff-dazzles-in-sibelius-and-afkham-and-the-cso-bring-schoenberg-to-life/
Overall, things sounded much better here by comparison.
It's also possible that I'm a bit of a pushover when it comes to SLSO concerts. :-)