Star-Ledger praises NJSO’s Tchaikovsky performance

The Star-Ledger writes:

Lukás Vondrácek showed all the hallmarks of a piano powerhouse: the imposing sound, the authority as he blazed through breakneck runs and intricate passages, the sense of nothing held back.

As the soloist for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Vondrácek made a strong impression. Under the leadership of guest conductor Christoph König, a regular presence with the NJSO, there were also thoughtful, heartfelt renditions of works by Schumann and Kodály.

Overall, it was a dependable concert, but the Tchaikovsky lingered most after the performance. The work’s melodic sweep and dazzling pyrotechnics have long made it a repertoire staple, and Vondrácek embraced it.

The Tchaikovsky program continues with performances tonight, November 2, at the State Theatre in New Brunswick and tomorrow, November 3, at NJPAC in Newark.

Read the full review at www.nj.com.