Sunday, July 28, 1996
Solo stars to join the Kirov Orchestra in weeklong concert
By Krystn Lee
Summer Bruin Contributor
The Russian Kirov Orchestra is back in town for a weeklong
series of performances at the Hollywood Bowl, under the charismatic
leadership of conductor Valery Gergiev.
He and the Kirov Orchestra made their first appearance at the
Bowl during the 1994-95 season. Their second appearance at the Bowl
capitalizes on this experience with the accompanying Kirov
Orchestra Chorus.
At each weekday performance, the Kirov will introduce a solo
star making their debut at the Bowl. Alexander Toradze, a pianist
with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will provide accompaniment
throughout the week.
The program begins with a Russian repertory including Prokofiev
and opera diva Olga Borodina on July 30-31.
Though the Kirov is famous for its wide repertory, a Russian
repertory is essential in their Western performances, as Gergiev
has noted to Opera News, for "we are representing our nation."
The week’s exciting events conclude Aug. 2-4, when Gergiev
conducts the Hollywood Bowl’s annual Tchaikovsky Spectacular. This
event features the unusual partnership of pianist Nikolai Lugansky,
winner of the 1994 Tchaikovsky competition, and the USC Trojan
marching band.
The Sunday show differs from the Friday and Saturday shows, but
all include Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture, accompanied by an
explosion of fireworks.
Between the performances of Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, the Kirov
Orchestra will be joined by such musical talent as tenor Nikolai
Gassiev and 19-year-old trumpet prodigy Sergei Nariakov.
Despite their current international status, the Kirov Orchestra
and Gergiev were unsure of their future in Russian music only a
decade ago. Directly after an Aug. 19, 1986 performance in
Edinbourgh, they were informed of a political coup against the
Gorbachev government.
With Gergiev scheduled to conduct in San Francisco, the
musicians to play in Italy, and the Chorus to fly home, there
seemed little anyone could do but hope. To the music world’s
relief, the Kirov Orchestra not only survived, but became an
increasingly international musical force.
Today, the Kirov is touted as one of the most eminent, if not
the most eminent, Russian orchestra, known for its artistic and
physical energy. The orchestra has performed in major musical
cities such as London, Zurich, Paris and Hamburg, to nearly all
rave reviews.
After Gergiev regrouped the Kirov, his personal agenda was to
make the Kirov a creative international orchestra. His tireless
energy and impatience with the status quo rightly earned him the
Opera News’ nickname, "Intrepid."
Gergiev is notorious for his last-minute appearances, an
implication of both performance anxiety and confidence. True to
form, he will arrive in Los Angeles with the Kirov Orchestra on
Mon., July 29, only a day before the opening night, sure to keep
the rehearsal staff  as well as his audience Â
breathless.
Concerts: The Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, will
be at the Hollywood Bowl July 30 Â Aug. 4. Call (213) 480-3232
or (714) 740-2000.
CHRIS LEE
Valery Gergiev conducts the spectacular Russian Kirov
Orchestra.