Ep 9. San Francisco Symphony Reopening Night

Great Performances season 49 episode 9 presents the much-awaited reopening of the San Francisco Symphony, following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert sees the orchestra performing at its full strength for the first time in almost two years, under the baton of the newly appointed Music Director, Esa-Pekka Salonen.

The one-hour broadcast captures the exhilarating atmosphere of the momentous night, with footage of the musicians arriving at the Davies Symphony Hall, preparing for the show, and greeting each other after a long absence. Viewers get a sense of the palpable excitement and nervous energy in the air, as the orchestra tunes up and rehearses some of the pieces they will play later in the evening.

The program includes a diverse selection of music, ranging from contemporary works by living composers to classic masterpieces of the canon. One of the highlights of the show is the world premiere of a commissioned piece by Daníel Bjarnason, an Icelandic composer known for his bold and imaginative compositions that blend electronic and acoustic elements. The new work, called "Collider," draws inspiration from particle physics and aims to create a sonic representation of the collisions and interactions of subatomic particles. The piece features a large orchestra, including a battery of percussion, and incorporates sounds from the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN in Switzerland, where Bjarnason recorded some of the sonic material.

Another standout piece of the concert is Mahler's Symphony No. 5, a sprawling and emotionally charged work that showcases the full range of the orchestra's abilities. The symphony's famous opening trumpet solo, played by Mark Inouye, sets the tone for the entire piece, which shifts between dramatic and tender passages, culminating in a triumphant finale. Salonen, known for his deep affinity with Mahler's music, brings out the nuances and subtleties of the score, eliciting a powerful and affecting performance from the orchestra.

The concert also includes selections from John Williams' score for "Star Wars," featuring a solo performance by the principal cellist of the orchestra, Emil Miland. Miland's lyrical and expressive playing brings out the emotional depth of the music, reminding viewers of the enduring appeal of Williams' iconic compositions.

In addition to the musical performances, the broadcast includes interviews with Salonen and some of the orchestra members, who talk about their experiences during the pandemic and their thoughts on returning to the stage. Salonen, who has been acclaimed for his innovative programming and visionary leadership of other orchestras, expresses his excitement about taking the helm of the San Francisco Symphony and his hopes for the future of classical music.

Overall, Great Performances season 49 episode 9 offers a thrilling and heartwarming glimpse into the world of live orchestral music, at a time when such events are still a rare and precious occurrence. The San Francisco Symphony's reopening night is a testament to the resilience and dedication of musicians and audiences alike, who continue to cherish the beauty and power of music despite the challenges of the current moment.