“There are moments in music when the familiar is made fresh, and the well-trodden illuminate anew. Such was the case when The Orchestra Now took the stage at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Leon Botstein, a conductor whose boundless energy and intellectual curiosity have long fueled concert programs of unparalleled originality. In a program aptly titled Transcription as Translation, the Orchestra explored the art of re-imagining musical works for different forces, bringing forth a riveting evening of discovery, expression, and virtuosity.

The Orchestra’s commitment to articulation and dynamics was exceptional throughout the evening. Whether in the softest pianissimo or the most forceful fortissimo, every section maintained balance and clarity for an exhilarating listening experience. The French horns, under the leadership of Ziming Zhu stood out, their tonal warmth anchoring key passages with noble resonance.

The brass and woodwinds shone in the Scherzo, while the lower strings and cellos provided the emotional underpinning in the evening’s more introspective moments. The Orchestra’s sensitivity to phrasing was particularly impressive, allowing every movement to breathe and unfold with natural momentum.

Transcription as Translation was revelatory, from Balakirev’s poetic homage to Chopin to Smetana’s profoundly personal reflection on life, culminating in Beethoven’s symphonic transformation. The Orchestra Now, under the steadfast leadership of Leon Botstein, delivered an unforgettable concert filled with distinction, brilliance, and profound emotional depth.” —Edward Kliszus