Thursday, January 30, 1997
MUSIC:
Famous orchestra uses music, not language, to convey their
messagesBy Jasmine Pachnanda
Daily Bruin Contributor
Most people communicate through the words of a common language.
However, the Israel Camerata Jerusalem Orchestra uses music to
communicate, not only with each other, but with their audiences as
well.
Performing in many music festivals throughout the world, this
Saturday marks the beginning of the orchestra’s first U.S.
tour.
Made up of 33 members, 90 percent of the orchestra are Russian
émigrés to Israel, many of whom have played in renowned
orchestras throughout the world. And though it tours
internationally, the Camerata performs over 100 concerts throughout
Israel. Even though not all of the musicians can speak the same
language, their messages are conveyed by playing music.
"Although this is a fairly new orchestra, and all of them don’t
speak English well, they communicate with the music," pianist
Claude Frank says.
Frank is touring with the orchestra as a special guest.
Together, they will perform two Mozart concertos, Boccherini’s
Symphony in D minor and Schubert’s Symphony in B-flat major.
"These are great pieces," Frank says. "The harmonics are great
and the rhythms are bold and beautiful. Mozart concertos are some
of the greatest pieces for piano," Frank says.
Already praised by international musicians and critics, the
performance hopes to win over UCLA audiences as well. Led by
conductor Avner Biron, the orchestra has been lauded by the musical
community.
Having produced a recording of the symphonies of Boccherini,
Haydn and Shostakovich, as well as releasing a series of five discs
featuring a broad range of pieces from baroque to contemporary, the
orchestra has been lauded by the musical community. Touring
throughout the world, the orchestra has had the opportunity to play
in many music festivals.
According to Frank, one reason for the orchestra’s success is
conductor Avner Biron. "Individually, everyone is a good player
too, and the maestro is instrumental in providing a good repertoire
among the players," Frank says.
And Biron has played an important part in the success of the
orchestra. An expert on the flute, he has been the musical director
and conductor since the orchestra was founded.
"The pianist, conductor and orchestra have to be of one mind and
one heart and pay attention to the details of the music. Someone
has to make adjustments," Frank says.
According to Frank, these adjustments are made through intense
rehearsals, where all components of the orchestra attack the
challenge of performing these pieces.
"The main challenge is one of balance; it is not structural,"
Frank says. "It’s also playing what’s behind, on top, and in
between the lines of the music. The orchestra cannot be too loud
compared to the piano and vice versa."
With a wide reputation and a distinguished career of almost 40
years, Frank should be used to this.
Frank has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras
in the world, including the New York Philharmonic and Boston
Symphony. Along with solo performances in major cities throughout
the United States and with other musical groups, Frank has also
released a CD recording of Beethoven’s 32 sonatas, which has been
highly acclaimed by critics.
"I have been performing these pieces for a long time. I should
know them and I hope it will be good," Frank says.
In the end, the orchestra hopes to communicate with the UCLA
audience through the universal language of music, no matter what
language barriers there may be.
"There is a divine spark and inspiration in these pieces. They
are absolutely beautiful and removed from the earth," Frank
says.
MUSIC: The Israel Camerata Orchestra and Claude Frank will
perform at the Veteran’s Wadsworth Theater on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8
p.m. Tickets are available through the UCLA Central Ticket Office
and at all Ticketmaster outlets for $30, $27 and $9 for UCLA
students. For more information, call (310)825-2101.
Internationally acclaimed Israel Camerata Jerusalem Orchestra is
on tour, performing with special guest, renowned pianist Claude
Frank.