Bryttan-conducted orchestra earns plaudits for Wagner performance (09/17/00)

Bryttan-conducted orchestra earns plaudits for Wagner performance

MURRAY HILL, N.J. - The New Jersey Youth Symphony's performance of Act I of "Die Walküre," under the direction of Adrian Bryttan, held as a gala benefit on May 13 at Rutgers University, was given front-page coverage in the July 26 issue of Classical New Jersey, as well as lauded by the Wagner Society of New York.

In his review, titled "Kids Grasp the Ring," Paul Somers noted that "this was playing which went beyond youthful exuberance and conviction - though both were present - and settled on musical excellence beyond considerations of age." He went on to single out several young musicians for their "Eloquent playing at a fully professional level ... that could have emerged from any orchestra pit in the world with honor."

Commenting on all the extensive and comprehensive preparation, he stated that "Conductor Adrian Bryttan was masterful. He rarely looked at the score, all the while throwing unmissable cues to his young charges."

All three international soloists - Stefano Algiere as Siegmund, Amanda Mace as Sieglinde and Gustavo Halley as Hunding - were commended by the reviewer. Mr. Algiere was cited for his "well-turned legato phrases," "Heldentenor heft to the voice fully engaging to the ear" and a "tremendous final high B almost single-handedly bringing down the house. Ms. Mace was described as pouring out "as much passionate sound as one could ever want from a Sieglinde ... the final duet approached the erotic as well as it could in a concert version." And bass Gustavo Halley was referred to as "the most menacing Hunding I can remember hearing."

Mr. Somers concluded his review with the estimation that the concert was "A completely riveting performance ... instant standing ovation and cheers ... Wagner fans, starved nearly to death in this state, were beside themselves with joy over the quality of what they had just heard."

The storm and rain on the evening of the concert seemed to have been scripted by Wagner himself to reflect the opening tempest in the music. But regardless of the weather outside, it was inspiring for all present in Nicholas Auditorium just prior to the performance to hear Maestro Bryttan read a congratulatory message sent by Gudrun Wagner from the Bayreuth Festival in Germany, the theater designed and built to her great-grandfather's own specifications and the worldwide Mecca for performances of his music dramas.

After conveying best wishes for a most successful concert, Ms. Wagner wrote about the rewarding task of working with young people and stated that "Mr. Bryttan's work deserves real praise."

This sentiment was echoed by the president of the Wagner Society of New York, Nathalie Wagner, when she addressed those present at the reception. Maestro Bryttan was applauded in the society's newsletter "Wagner Notes" for having "conducted with verve" and for his "careful preparation enabling the young musicians to play with enthusiasm and understanding ... an outstanding job."

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