Jimi Michiel

Hey Manny,
Great concert tonight! From start to finish, not only did I have a great time, but it seemed like the orchestra and conductor were also enjoying themselves. This is only the second time I've heard the orchestra in person, but there are a few things that I saw and heard that really stick in my mind.
First off is Vanska's conducting. I know the old cliche that conductors don't make noise by themselves, but Vanska really seemed to make the performance his own. The second movement of the Beethoven symphony was much lighter than the recordings I've heard. It seemed like he played much more to the classical side of Beethoven than the Romantic. I can't ever remember seeing a conductor not use a stick for just one movement in a piece like he did tonight. Am I correct that this is uncommon? Also, Vanska made many upward gestures, especially in the Beethoven. I know how much an orchestra can get weighted down if the conductor is too heavy with his motions, so was this his way of getting a lighter sound? It really seemed like the orchestra responded to these gestures, as well as a lot of his smaller left hand gestures.
The playing was, of course, really great. I expected that, having heard the orchestra once before live, as well as on recordings. I don't think I've ever heard that much dynamic contrast in Beethoven trumpet parts (I'm thinking of the sustained As in the 3rd movement mostly), but it was a really cool affect that you don't hear very often. Awesome! I was also surprised at how good your principle clarinetist is. I don't remember anything about his playing when I saw Prok 5 in January, but WOW, he sounded fantastic on that soft solo in the beginning of Bolero.
The last thing that I remember is the general mood of the orchestra. I watched the orchestra pretty closely do Bolero and saw several members of the orchestra very slightly shuffle their feet or lightly tap their leg when a colleague finished his or her solo turn (the two saxaphonists especially). When Andre Watts finished his concerto and the orchestra applauded him, you could tell that it was sincere applause, not the kind of feigned bow-tapping that I've seen in other professional orchestras. It's great to see world class professionals truly ENJOY making music (even the last desk violins!)
Sorry if I ramble on a bit, but I really enjoyed the show and, for the first time in a while, I felt like I had some things to say about an orchestra concert other than "I liked it" or "I didn't like it"... Anyways, what a great way to start the season.
-Jimi