We attended two performances at Benaroya Hall - home of the Seattle Syphony- while we were in Seattle. First performance featured the Barber violin concerto Op. 14 , played by the Symphony with Stefan Jackiw as soloist. The other was the Russian National Orchestra who were joined by for the Dvorak cello concerto in B minor, Op 10 by Sergey Antonov. While both orchestras were technically excellent and generally enjoyable, the real entertainent came from the performances with the soloists. The stage seemed to light up when the soloists were there. Which got me thinking about the subject of charisma. Both of these performers had it, but what is it? Both had individualist styles of dress and mannerisms in style of playing. Both were techically brilliant but played with extra expression and emotion lacking from the players in the orchestra. But there is more to it than that somehow. While we were waiting in the foyer, I couldn't help noticing a young man at the coat check room. He was snappily dressed in a red shirt, black velvet jacket and pale chinos, but apart from that, there was something about his poise that made him stand out. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but this was the soloist, Stefan Jackiw. At the second concert, Sergey Antonov wore a shiny petrol blue suit which contrasted wonderfully with his strawberry blond hair. His hair is the same colour as his cello so this makes a striking statement. He is very tall,somewhat spindly, and peers down over the top of his chello, like a little boy peeking over the bannisters. Very endearing. Very engaging. Great concert.
