The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine performed at Jesse Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 25. Conducted by Theodore Kuchar, the concert featured works by Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák. 

The first piece on the program was Brahms’ “Tragic Overture, Op. 81,” an invigorating start to the concert. As the title suggests, this is a dramatically turbulent piece and includes strident sections, grand sweeping sections and quieter, more understated sections as well. The ensemble conveyed these contrasting musical ideas excellently and aptly captured the character of the music. 

Next, the orchestra performed the “Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77” with soloist Vladyslava Luchenko. This piece — notoriously one of the most difficult violin concertos — was beautifully rendered by Luchenko, who received a standing ovation after her virtuosic cadenza in the first movement. A cadenza is a passage with no accompaniment from the orchestra that allows the soloist to exhibit their skill. Typically, cadenzas are more rhythmically ambiguous and include various technically challenging elements. Luchenko tackled it wonderfully with her technique and musicianship.

After a brief intermission, the ensemble concluded the concert with the “Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95,” otherwise known as the “New World Symphony.” This masterpiece is one of the most well-loved symphonic works in the classical canon and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete all four movements. 

Originally from the Czech Republic, Dvořák composed this symphony upon his arrival to the United States in 1892. He became inspired by African American and Native American musical traditions and incorporated aspects of them, as well as Czech folk tunes, into his work. The result was a unique fusion of melodies, harmonies and rhythms that formed one of the most famous symphonies of all time. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the rendition was the fact that Kuchar conducted the entire symphony with no podium, no score and no notes. With, quite literally, nothing standing between him and his orchestra, he was able to get within inches of the string sections to give cues and evoke powerful emotions from the musicians and the audience. Almost as though his baton was a wand, Kuchar had the whole hall spellbound. 

The Lviv National Philharmonic played all four movements with marvelous artistry and delivered an outstanding performance. Its interpretation of the second movement, the Largo, was particularly stunning, taking liberties with tempo, rhythm and rests. Being the slowest movement of the piece, it can have a tendency to drag, but the Lviv Philharmonic’s rendition was captivating throughout.

The iconic fourth movement of the piece was phenomenal; the orchestra’s rendition felt cinematic. The development to the climax was thoroughly satisfying and incited an uproarious standing ovation from the audience.

The Lviv National Philharmonic has performed over 250 fine arts events since the invasion of Russia in Ukraine over a year ago. Despite the turmoil in the country, music-making lives on and continues to provide inspiration, resilience and hope.

Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Sam Barrett and Lauren Courtney