The Classicameri Festival just keeps on delivering the goods. The proof of that pudding was unmissable last week when the 26th edition of the increasingly popular classical music event took place at its regular Eilat berth.
For starters, the concert hall was packed to the rafters for every single concert, including the earlier daily slots, at 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon. In fact, the demand for tickets was such that the organizers took the seemingly bold step of rolling out the three-day program twice through the same week.
I caught the majority of the second three-day schedule this past weekend and, as per its statement of intent, the accent was firmly and unapologetically on entertainment, with a capital E. Young Israeli composer Maya Brenner's "And a whisper will be heard," the Israeli premiere thereof, opened with a celestial brass line counterbalanced by a shimmering tension-laden melodic bass anchor.
It caught the imagination and duly strummed on the heartstrings. As the piece evolved, we were treated to some dense yet delicate orchestral ping pong, courtesy of house ensemble Raanana Symphonette Orchestra, with young, dynamic conductor Rotem Nir keeping matters under control and ensuring energy level remained in the upper reaches.
Then pianist Tom Borrow took the stage and delivered a performance of Tchaikovsky's instantly recognizable Piano Concerto No. 1 that was so robust it occasionally bordered on the volatile. The internationally celebrated 25-year-old clearly packs a punch and was eager to display his sinewy take on the enduringly popular work with no holds barred.
The opener on Friday was a thoroughly entertaining affair with a trio of violinists, Carmit Zori, cellist Hillel Zori, and pianist Shai Wosner, accompanied by veteran actor-comedian Doron Keren.
The show went by the title of A Musical Salon – Schubert & Friends, and, between snippets of works by the eponymous Viennese composer, Keren enlightened the audience about Schubert's short life, including excerpts from correspondence. Keren's narration was, as always, performed with gusto, and the trio's renditions of the chamber scores were crisp.
Later in the day, Soviet-born, Israeli-French trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov starred in a scintillating performance of Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme. The work was originally composed for cello, but Nakariakov managed to eke apt timbres and colors out of his instrument to do the work justice.
That was followed by yet another perennial favorite, Beethoven's Symphony no. 5, with Nir and the chamber ensemble providing the requisite lush gravitas and sumptuous tones.
The star of the whole shebang was undoubtedly Israeli soprano Hila Fahima Ruschin, who spends much of her time these days in Vienna. She fronted the Friday evening Vienna Coloratura performance, which took in excerpts of works by Rossini, Mozart, Mascagni, and Verdi. Fahima is a much sought-after act around the world, and, judging by her vocals and convincingly dramatic and impish presentation in Eilat, it is easy to see why. Her range is impressive, and she hits the high notes without losing an iota of power. The audience vociferously cheered and applauded each aria, and the orchestra, in tow, did itself proud.
The day's itinerary ended somewhat disappointingly with pianist Guy Mintus and his trio headlining the Opera/Jazz show. Mintus has been performing his unique mix of classical and jazz music with great aplomb for a few years now.
He is supremely gifted and capable of reeling off arpeggios at blistering speeds. But his arrangements of operatic fare came across as a little too athletic, rather than referencing the nuances and textures of the original scores.
Armenian-born Israeli pianist and conductor Vag Papian opened the festival proceedings on the final day with a solo performance of works by Bach, Brahms, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. His readings came across as an enchanting blend of the studious and virtuosic with attention to the spirit behind the notes.
Once again, the Classicameri Festival provided value for money and left audiences buzzing and with a spring in their step.