Utah Symphony: Inon Barnatan

On January 11, 2014, conductor Matthias Pintscher took the podium in front of the Utah Symphony to present a composition of his own: "Towards Osiris." Coupled with extensive program notes that were as confusing as the piece, the work was exciting in the sense of it was conducted by the composer and new works are always exciting when the hit Abravanel's stage.

Symphony 8 in G major by Anton Dvorak, with it's tune-full melodies and diverse moods was a delight to listen to. The piece showed-off each section of the orchestra, and the orchestra as a whole, leaving the audience humming the tunes.

The spot-light of the evening belongs to Israeli virtuoso Inon Barnatan. Known for his interpretation of Schubert, Barnatan was right at home with the Beethoven. Barnatan has a sensitivity that is incredibly rare, with each inner phrase as articulate and lyric as the larger phrases they belonged to. He breathed exciting new life and spirit to the piano concerto that was stunning to say the least. The greatest shame of the concert was the Barnatan provided no encore, despite a standing ovation and three curtain calls. Mr. Barnatan provided one of the most unforgettable performances I have ever seen on Abravanel Hall's stage and already providing the greatest concert of the year so far.