Under the direction ofAdrian Mackiewicz with Andrzej Anweiler, internationally recognized pianist and composer, from New Britain, the concert selections were well chosen, beautifully played and included the world premiere of an original work, Concertino for Piano and Small Orchestra by Anweiler. Set in three movements, the concertino opened with a stunning burst of energy, which quickly moved into a dramatic showcase for the piano.

Contemporary tonalities and colors, sometimes sharp and shrill, were echoed from piano to orchestra, almost appearing simple, but full of suppressed excitement and vitality. Woodwinds came into play in the haunting second, andante movement, which featured a measured and thoughtful expression of mood, bringing the vividness of the first movement to a restful conclusion.

In his third movement, the composer presented a variety of orchestration, well defined by Conductor Mackiewicz. Robust themes and frolicsome moments surprised and beguiled the ear as Anweiler’s piano led the way, ever forceful, authoritative, and indicative of a life force. It was exciting to be present at this premiere and to hear and see the appreciative standing ovation accorded Anweiler and his composition.

The program opened with two selections, the Sibelius Romance in C and Canzonetta, played by the orchestra and Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brillante featuring Anweiler.The tonalities of the Sibelius from the opening richness to a sweet melancholy to dark tones were emphasized by the conductor so that the integration of themes and rhythms was handled with fluidity and grace by Mackiewicz.

Anweiler’s Chopin, from its elegant shading of tones, to its brilliant cascades of sound, was performed with an elegance so intense that one almost thought he was making it up as he went along, so closely were the soloist and music aligned. It was the performance of an accomplished pianist, whose splendor of tone and expression brought out the beauty of the Chopin work.

For its final selection, Conductor Mackiewicz had chosen Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s Serenade for String Orchestra, which showed off the shimmering qualities, the sweepingcapabilities of sound, the purity of tone of the musicians. Concerts by the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra are indeed to be treasured as part of New Britain’s cultural scene.Webster Bank sponsored the reception following the concert.

-- J.V.W.B.