I attended the opening concert of the Hollywood Bowl’s “Classical Tuesdays”. It was a special occasion because, Bramwell Tovey, a new conductor of the Phil at the Bowl, was introduced. He is a warm and witty gent who got the Bowl audience at ease explaining the concert, “the naughty bits” of “Carnina Burana”, and the momentary sprinkle at the beginning of the concert, graciously acknowledging that LA needed the rain, He is a very good conductor, passionate in his style and technique.

First on the program was the remarkable piece by Strauss, “Don Juan”. I had never heard this piece before, perhaps because it is difficult to play and I imagine conduct. Musically we hear the story of Don Juan’s various conquests, his ultimate wearying of the chase, and his death. There are some gorgeous passages especially for the oboe, so expertly played by Marion Arthur Kuszyk. As a whole the Phil was in fine form and gave us a rousing rendition.

Next up was a piece composed by our Maestro Bramwell Tovey. It was called “Urban Runway” And celebrated the sounds and moods one might find in the streets of New York or Los Angeles, Part Gershwin, part Stravinsky, and All Tovey this was a spirited piece that prepared the crowd for the main event of the evening.

“Carmina Burana” is Carl Orff’s masterpiece where the composer explores the fickleness of fate, the fleeting nature of love, and the joys of coupling. Written in Latin though its sources were varied, we were treated to a lively translation that didn’t stint on delivery of some of the racier passages. The Phil once again played magnificently and was supported by the mighty Pacific Chorale and sweet Los Angeles Children’s Choir. The soprano for the evening was the clear voiced coloratura Cyndia Sieden. It was astonishing how she sang the high notes without missing a beat, and showing great sweetness and versatility.

Benjamin Butterfield gave us a forlorn and amusing swan that discovers he is on the menu. The real star of the evening was baritone Eugene Chan who was a last minute replacement for an ailing Keith Phares. Chan has one of the loveliest baritone voices I have ever heard. It is strong and has a rich texture without being too heavy. His part required great agility going from head to chest to full baritone. He accomplished this with great mastery. This was his Bowl debut and an important one for his career. He made a very impressive mark and I am sure we will hear from him again. Carmina Buran was part of the Hollywood Bowl summer season.