There were two historic concerts at the Kennedy Center in less than four weeks and we were fortunate enough to experience both. First was the centennial celebration of John Kennedy’s birthday, and Christoph Eschenbach’s last performance as Music Director of the National Symphony was on June 17.
They performed a concerto titled "Zodiac Tales" written especially for Eschenbach when he was Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra. You can read more about “Zodiac Tales” and Bright Sheng, the composer,on the Kennedy Center website. by clicking here.
After the intermission then, they performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and it was stunning. It is hard to describe the power and vibrance of a group of 300 musicians singing one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. The Washington Post review of the performance on Thursday recognizes the magnificent music as well as Eschenbach’s very significant contributions to the National Symphony (we were at the actual final concert on Saturday).
It was a remarkable evening that we will not forget.
