WAKeele

I have to add that I was there in Toronto for one of the live concerts and was completely IMPRESSED by the orchestra and Mr. McCandless!

I went in with no expectation for the performance or the orchestra having never heard them or much talk about them--also, since I've been increasingly let down by other orchestras more and more over the years. From the first few notes of the opening Promenade, I knew I was in for a something good--and it only got better. Mr. McCandless didn't hold back and took a serious command, which, in my opinion and how I was taught, is the job of the 1st trumpet. I sat on the very last row of the balcony in the dead center and got plenty of sound (thank you Mr. McCandless, I wish more orchestras would perform for the farthest row from the stage!). Wonderful phrasing and an alive sound, which I have to add is very impressive on a Yamaha (see, it can be done but from what I've seen most player just rest on the easier playability and don't work for a brilliant sound when need be--give me a Mt.Vernon with a Malone/Larson pipe any day; ).

I can't recall Mr.McCandless missing anything; not even a little chip (which by the way, I really don't care if someone does just so long they are giving it their all and putting the music first). I can't really think of much more to say since I was so pleased with the performance. It certainly has put Toronto toward the top of my favorite orchestras I've heard live. It's a similar kind of feeling I had after a couple Cincinnati concerts I went to around the same time with Mark Ridenour playing Principal--which by the way was simply amazing.

I recommend everyone get this recording and I will be getting mine after I finish this post!

--Adam

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WAK