BCO Interview with Bahman Saless on CBS channel.
The Reviews Are In:
Carnegie Hall Debut
“[The Boulder Chamber Orchestra]—which isn’t even old enough to order a drink in Colorado—belongs in Carnegie Hall.”
“Hearing this small orchestra in a modest-sized hall, with Saless expertly managing the balance between strings, winds and brass, made for a wonderfully transparent listening experience.”
“The orchestra’s compelling and finely detailed performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7... could hold its own with any orchestra anywhere, large or small.”
— David Wright, New York Classical Review
What People Are Saying
“BCO fills an important gap in the busy local music scene, with interesting, beautifully performed programs, introducing us to less-heard compositions and newly composed works; exploiting the talents of many talented local musicians; varied instrumental groups.”
— Audience Member
“BCO fills an important gap in the busy local music scene, with interesting, beautifully performed programs, introducing us to less-heard compositions and newly composed works; exploiting the talents of many talented local musicians; varied instrumental groups.”
— Audience Member
“Maestro Saless and the BCO gave an absolutely delightful performance of this piece. It demonstrates the influence that Mozart had on Bizet, with its transparency and refined textures. Perhaps more than any other work performed on Saturday’s program, the orchestra played this with a marvelous enthusiasm and accuracy of phrasing which accentuated Mozart’s influence. There was no denying that the entire woodwind section and the Boulder Chamber Orchestra is absolutely superb.”
— Robin McNeil, Opus Colorado Music Critic
“BCO fills an important gap in the busy local music scene, with interesting, beautifully performed programs, introducing us to less-heard compositions and newly composed works; exploiting the talents of many talented local musicians; varied instrumental groups.”
— Eileen K.
“I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the Requiem last night - this is a piece I never would have heard otherwise, since I’m not usually a big choral fan...but it was truly outstanding ! I absolutely loved it. I’m very happy that you chose this piece and had such a talented group of musicians and vocalists to work with.”
— Mark D.
“These concerts are fantastic ways to engage with music--and the arts in general--in a low-stress way. I had been looking forward to taking some time to relax to good music--and our outing to the concert, despite the heavy snows, accomplished just that. These concerts feel somewhat like comfortable communal events. People seem to gather with musicians near the stage at the end of the concert. The distance between the conductor and musicians and audience supports a conversational tone during introductions and descriptions of the musical selections. […] A highly accessible musical outing!”
— Audience Member
“I had been wanting to hear Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony for about 25 years: Yes, we all enjoyed the concert very much. Two of my residents who went are serious classical music fans, and both said that it was one of the best concerts they have been to (and they have around a long time!). And, I agree with them (I’m a serious classical music fan, too, but haven’t been around quite as long). It was wonderful to hear the three selections that were played, as they seem to be infrequently performed. I had been wanting to hear Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony for about 25 years (maybe I have been around longer than I care to admit), after I first became familiar with it from a music appreciation class in college. I also enjoyed the information and thoughts shared by Maestro Saless. That made the concert and the music itself more meaningful.”
— W. Scott Mersch
“I have heard ‘Appalachian Spring’ performed many times over the years but I can never recall being as moved by the piece as I was at the Boulder Chamber Orchestra’s rendition on Friday night last in Boulder. The flute player, some modern-day Pan, and the clarinet player took the piece a place I had never been to before. Of course all the musicians shone. Thank you for this transcendent performance. And thank you for continuing to bring magical music to our community.”
— Cindy Morris
“I find BCO's performances very special because of the congenial, honest and open communication that I feel exist between musicians and conductor and the community that gathers listening.”
— Audience Member
“I hope all the orchestra members were as moved by the concert as we in the audience were.”
— Audience Member
“Tonight’s world class performance was our first BCO concert and the first of every one we can get to. We will encourage many others to join us.”
— Audience Member
“You've outdone yourself this time, Bahman--and that's saying a lot. The photos accompanying your lovely Ode were a sweet surprise and had me smiling nonstop. I was genuinely impressed by the synchronization of the images and music in the Sibelius. And your brilliant orchestra's rendition of the Tchaikovsky was quite simply the most thrilling I've heard. Way to go, Maestro!”
— Christine Arden
“I wish you could have been in the audience last night and heard how the BCO sounded. The BCO and Macky are a good match. And you chose so well for the program. The three pieces complemented one another like three delicious courses at a fine restaurant. The Sibelius Project is a moving winner and you should be able to market it to other orchestras. Congratulations on a wonderful season finale. ”
— James Mitchell
Author, Musical Chairs