Reviews
“The lovelorn tenor Nemorino is the guy who likely got beat up in high school gym class. His love object, Adina, probably has neglectful parents, which is why she has to play the field in the marriage game. The snake-oil salesman, Dulcamara, may be slime, but he also knows he stimulates people's dreams. All of the above are underscored by conductor Parameswaran's variety of phrasing and ability to find areas of sensitivity in the score that many don't detect.”
“Conducting from memory, Parameswaran led a performance that was remarkable both for its polish and power. There was plenty of nuance in this account, which seemingly probed every emotion — from giddiness and pensiveness to wildness and sarcasm. The performance earned a resounding ovation for the orchestra, and no doubt assured Parameswaran his place on future classical series programs.”
“[N]o seat stood empty. … Unbelievable perfection in sound and dynamics suggests that the coaching masters have thoroughly prepared these youngsters, who perform as a single unit carried by its music director. … The encounter with this American youth orchestra left the audience at St. Florian audibly impressed, as demonstrated by long-lasting applause.”
“[T]he discipline, fierce intent, and committed dedication [in Bartok’s ‘Dance Suite’] were impressive. This held true particularly for Brahms’ Second Symphony, when conductor [Vinay] Parameswaran modelled generous bowing and a subtle tonality. The brass soloists, the soft tones of the brass section, as well as the ideally harmonizing string section were impressive.”
“Parameswaran was in impressive command of the score, especially in the second movement, a scherzando dance with uneven meters and tricky cross-rhythms.”