“Christian Vásquez and the orchestra were in perfect communion with the soloist and displayed a great mastery of the intricate orchestral score”

Christian Vásquez, with his vivid and effusive gestures, proved to be a splendid and fiery conductor; his magnificent layering of sound and pursuit of instrumental quality at times recalled the manner of a George Szell.

Supported by an orchestral performance of the highest caliber, Vásquez delivered an interpretation that magnificently highlighted the rhythmic and brilliant aspects while remaining attentive to the melodic and more somber passages; such as the beginning of the second movement, which featured particularly meticulous balance and an excellent horn solo. The third movement was especially captivating, with the conductor emphasizing the waltz rhythm through deeply personal accents and revealing fascinating details within the orchestration. The structural build-up and climaxes of the first and fourth movements were also highly effective, culminating in final minutes brimming with emotion and grit.

It was an evening to savor, with the first half featuring one of today’s most renowned trumpeters in performances that could hardly be bettered (including a world premiere); this was followed by a highly satisfying rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, revealing a truly admirable conductor.