Impressed

I know I’m not completely unbiased, but that’s the best word I could think of to sum up my thoughts on last night’s concert. I really enjoyed all the pieces that were performed, but especially Jason Hardink’s selections from Messiaen’s Catalogue d’oiseux. Catherine Reese Newton got it right when she said Hardink is “a treasure in our city.” This is the second performance I’ve seen that featured Jason at the piano (the other was Ancient Voices of Children last March), and both times I’ve been impressed with his ability to interpret and perform music that is completely different than anything most of us have ever heard. I’ve played the piano most of my life (not professionally, at all), and I wouldn’t know where to start with those pieces.

Also, Water Bird Talk was a lot of fun. It really felt like you were witnessing a break down at a lecture on water birds. I couldn’t stop laughing at how serious the lecturer (baritone Timothy Jones) was as he matter-of-a-factly described mating habits of the cormorant and demonstrated bird calls at the piano. Having Ardean Watts there as host to explain the music and interview Jason made it even more enjoyable (and even educational!).

This year, we’re performing our contemporary chamber series on two nights instead of just one, so if you weren’t able to go last night and you like “weird” and different music, try to get there tonight. Tickets are available on our website or by calling ArtTix at (801) 355-ARTS.