“The Orchestra Now, the ensemble of Bard College’s master’s degree program in orchestral performance, led by Leon Botstein, opened its Carnegie Hall series Monday with a program tantalizingly titled “Creative Resistance to Empire.”

The young musicians executed the entire program with superb precision and imaginative phrasing, making every moment count. Their ensemble sound was balanced and clear, the solos vivid. The orchestras of America and the world will be lucky to have them.

As always with this conductor’s exploratory programs, it was a pleasure to make new acquaintances in the vast world of orchestral repertoire.” —David Wright