Article content On the weekend the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra brought down the curtain on its latest season with a subtle, graceful performance of Mahler’s valedictory Das Lied von der Erde, programming that eschewed the usual season wrap-up bombast and flash. The song symphony was prefaced by Mozart — always a good companion for Mahler — and Gateways, a new work by UBC professor Dorothy Cheng. After a crisp reading of the Overture to the Magic Flute came the premiere of Cheng’s double concerto for erhu and piano.
Given Mahler’s use of translated ancient Chinese texts, tucking in a East-West contemporary work might seem a bit obvious; yet Cheng’s piece for the unconventional sonic pairing of amplified erhu and concert grand proved convincing. This is no trifle: a full three-movement concerto of substance. Kudos to the VSO for programming what is a significant work, and kudos to pianist Corey Hamm and erhuist Andy Lin, who negotiated their solo parts with style and presence.
Gateways is as sure-footed as it is sumptuous, filled with engaging orchestral colours. But it is no virtuoso display piece for soloist, orchestra, or, for that matter, composer: there is real emotional depth here, and a sense that this was a piece that only Cheng could have written. The program’s extended second half was Mahler, with alto and tenor alternating in the six songs that comprise Das Lied von der Erde.
American tenor Richard Trey Smagur was at his best in the more blustery passa.