Arguably, John Orlando's "House Concert Series" amounts to one of the best kept musical secrets in the entire Monterey Bay area and then some. On Saturday June 10, the Aptos Community Foundation sponsored John Orlando and Friends in a benefit concert for the Cabrillo College Distinguished Artists and Lecture Series of which John Orlando is Director.
The concert took place in the beautiful residence of John Orlando that overlooks the Bay and offers a splendid panoramic view. The program for this event consisted of the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor featuring John Orlando as soloist and well known pianist, composer Stephen Tosh performing the piano reduction orchestral accompaniment. John Orlando also discussed a few of the interesting compositional elements of the Brahms Intermezzo, Op. 119, No. 1; Scarlatti's Sonata in G Major, Longo 14 and Chopin's Scherzo in B Flat minor, Op. 31 before playing them following the Beethoven concerto.
Hearing the Beethoven concerto in the intimate two piano setting was an enjoyable, musically unique experience. Of course the music is exposed in every sense of the meaning. One somewhat familiar with this beautiful work could juxtapose the various string, wind, brass and percussive orchestral sections that were played by Stephen Tosh in the orchestral piano reduction while John Orlando played the solo part. The two marvelous Steinway pianos sandwiched the seventy-five or so guests and created an impressive antiphonal effect.
In the quasi-free, cadenza section the soloist is allowed the opportunity to exploit his/her virtuosity and at times creative spirit. Here John Orlando rose to the occasion and took full advantage of it resulting in a well deserved round of applause.
It has been said many times that the second movement was written in Heaven. The two pianists performed it exceptionally well. Their rendition was quiet, coordinated and musically pleasing.
Soloist and audience barriers were at ease and enjoyably good spirited. For recording purposes the more musically challenging moments were performed for a second time, much to the surprise and enjoyment of the audience. It was certainly a unique and worthwhile musical experience.
Well-known jazz icon Jessica Williams was the afternoon's special Guest Artist. Jessica received two Grammy nominations and was awarded European Jazz Record of the Year for the second consecutive year. She just returned from the Kennedy Center in NYC where she participated in a Tribute to Dr. Billy Taylor, who has been a true inspiration to her. Jessica Taylor is one of the most gifted and creative jazz artists on the scene today. She performed several of her original works that were soulful, introspective and simply delightful. I do believe, however, that that the encore request of Besame Mucho that Jessica played just might have stolen the show. It was exquisitely rendered.
And in addition, the super event was followed by a spread of Epicurean delights catered by Tom Gainsborough of Gadabout Gourmet, including truffle oil delicacies from Croatia provided by Connor Vlakancic, owner of Five Star Truffle Affair. .