By PHYLLIS MORAITIS
“If only the whole world could feel the power of harmony.”
— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Celebrating 60 years of music, the Dearborn Symphony and principal clarinet Nickolas Hamblin, harmonious baton of Steven Jarvi, returned to youth March 4 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
Playfulness underscored the evening as “Mozart Met Peter and the Wolf.” As the performance unfolded, the music as well as the musicians evoked child-like wonder for all in attendance.
The concert featured spirited melodic melodies of both Mozart and Prokovfiev; however, the concert opened with a heartfelt rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem. When asked, Kathy Zuchniewicz, Dearborn Symphony personnel manager and violinist said, “The Anthem was Dearborn Symphony’s way of acknowledging the current state of affairs, while supporting the music and artistry of our Ukrainian musicians,” said Kathy Zuchniewicz, Dearborn Symphony personnel manager and violinist.
The show continued with Mozart’s “Symphony No. 1, Mvt. 1.” Mozart was 8 years old when he composed this work, yet the accomplished musical score resonated with a mature distinction. The relationship between the strings and the conductor was flawless. Regardless of the tireless hallmark of Mozart’s rigor, conductor and strings never lost a beat. They made it look easy.
Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major, K.622” followed, with a great performance by Hamblin. At age 15, while still in highs school, Hamblin won Dearborn Symphony’s Young Artist Solo Competition in 2017. He returned to the stage as major player. He possessed a masterful command of his instrument, and executed every note with a rich and passionate tone.
The evening closed with Prokovfiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, narrator, had the right mix of charm and elegance as he delighted listeners with his story telling. The cast of musical characters included Peter, the playful strings; Hamblin, cat, who continued to impress with the clarinet; together with principal flute Dennis Carter, bird, was magical.
Principal oboe Kerry Russo, duck, impressed. “Grampa” Johnathan Boyd on the bassoon pleased. The awesome three French horns — principal Dominc Hayes, David Demorset and Justin Zak — sounded the impeccable warning of the wolf. Peter Nixon on the timpani added his own kind of special effect as the hunter.
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Dearborn Symphony, the April 15 concert will be moved to April 22. All tickets issued for April 15 will be honored. The concert, “Fairy Tales & Friends,” will feature the music of Ravel and Elgar. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30 with discounts for students.
Masks are encouraged and will be available free. For more information call the Ford Center box office at 313-565-2424 or go to www.dearbornsymphony.org.