Quake City

Sturdy Powell Symphony Hall took the 5.2 earthquake without flinching. The aftershock too. I've spoken to a few folks around the hall and heard from some SLSO fans via email who all claim that if you are after another sort of earth-shaking experience, the Prokofiev 5 with Carlos Kalmar conducting Friday night is it. Certain elements, or combinations thereof - the repertoire, the conductor, the time of year, the phase of the moon - can ignite an energy in the orchestra that is beyond its usual excellence. For those who've been with the orchestra for a while, they have a sense of ownership of the Prokofiev 5 from the days with Leonard Slatkin. For the newer musicians, it's a terrifically exciting symphony to play - and this might be the finest ensemble of musicians they've ever played it with. Whatever came together last night, I've been hearing raves about it. And with the tectonic plates shifting... Go!