reviewvancouver: VSO - Jon Kimura Parker Plays Bernstein

A varied music program was featured on November 11th by the VSO and guest artists. The program included Zolton Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta, Vivian Fung’s Flute Concerto and performed by flautist Christie Reside and Symphony No. 2: Age of Anxiety performed by pianist Jon Kimura Parker.

The skilled Conductor was Karen Kamensek who made her Metropolitan Opera Debut with Glass Akhnaten, a production she directed that recently won the Olivier Award in London. Kamensek was music director of Staatsoper Hannover from 2011-2016.

Composer, Vivian Fung, from Vancouver, came on stage to discuss the commissioned concerto that principal flautist Reside performed. It was an opportunity for the audience to hear about the construction of a composition which is an interesting learning moment for the audience.

Reside has been principal flautist with the VSO since 2004. She plays the flute with assurance and pleasant tones. She has performed with many international music festivals including the Spoleto Music Festival in Italy.

Featured performer Jon Kimura Parker has had a long career in classical music. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonic, the Sydney Opera House and many other notable venues. In addition, he teaches music at Rice University. Parker plays the piano with gusto and total concentration. In the final piece, he performed a score by Canadian virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson who Kimura admired tremendously. The high octane jazz piece was given to Parker by Petersons’ wife. The audience was noticeably appreciative and gave the performance a standing ovation.