A jazzy triumph – Waltham Philharmonic “All-American” concert thrills audience

One of the perks of living in Waltham is that residents have easy access to excellent arts and culture without the high prices and long lines that art lovers must contend with in central Boston. To be sure, Boston’s cultural institutions are world-class and absolutely worth seeing. But Waltham’s offerings are commendable, accessible and intimate, which make them special in their own right.

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, for example, performed Sunday, March 8, to a sold-out crowd that enjoyed an engaging program of music by modern American composers. The concert culminated in George Gershwin’s immensely popular “Rhapsody in Blue,” but the other works, by Howard Hanson, Morton Gould and James Johnson, are less known. Heard together, the pieces formed an acoustic collage of classical, jazz and popular influences that shaped mid-20th century American culture.

The orchestra, a mix of amateur, semi-professional and professional local musicians, played with verve and commitment under Music Director Michael Korn’s baton. The players brought the drama, urgency, grandeur and delicacy the music demanded as they skillfully navigated complex syncopations and intricate jazzy dissonances. The brass and wind players rose to the challenge of the many solo passages, including the iconic clarinet opening of “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Guest artist Victor Cayres tackled the piano solo in “Rhapsody in Blue” with virtuosity and infectious joy, ending the concert on an ecstatic high note. The audience responded with a standing ovation, and Cayres returned for an encore: Gershwin’s bluesy “Prelude No. 1.”

In a world where the arts are often dominated by big names and big ticket prices, the WPO offers the chance to experience local artists who perform for the pure joy of sharing excellent music with friends and neighbors seated just an arm’s length away. That’s something to treasure.

See David Greenfield’s full album of photos of the March 8 Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra concert.