Finnish phenom at the symphony

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was in good hands with a pair of twentysomething rising stars, Friday morning in Music Hall.

Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen, 27, made an impressive American debut in the orchestra’s first-ever performance of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 3. At the piano, 21-year-old Lukas Vondracek gave a brilliant reading of Grieg’s Concerto in A Minor.
Inkinen, who is already music director of the New Zealand Symphony, is a protégé of the famed master teacher of conductors, Jorma Panula, and is also a concert violinist. His boyish, rock-star looks reminded one of a young Keith Lockhart. A vigorous presence on the podium, he exuded confidence and was a persuasive leader in Prokofiev's Third.

Prokofiev's Symphony No. 3 of 1928 might have been named a suite from his failed opera, "The Fiery Angel." Highly theatrical, its dramatic moods and themes vividly evoke – and quote from – scenes from the opera.

The first movement, a profusion of agitated moments marked by brass-filled intensity and pounding timpani, was a stark contrast to the slow movement's serene mood, from a scene in a convent. The most original music came in his scherzo, with its glissandos in the strings making an eerie counterpoint.

This first-ever performance was effective, if the orchestra's ensemble wasn't as immaculate as usual. Inkinen is an expressive leader, although the softer end of the spectrum was largely left untouched. But if his aim was to electrify, especially in the powerful finale, he succeeded.

Vondracek's view of Grieg's Piano Concerto was also bracing, in his return visit to the orchestra. The Czech virtuoso possesses a spectacular technique, which he put to use brilliantly and with absolute clarity in his adrenalin-charged performance. He tackled the first movement's cadenza as if he was climbing Mount Everest.

Still, he missed some of the poetry, warmth and tone color of the gorgeous Norwegian melodies, so profuse in this concerto. The pianist's finest moment came in the adagio, where he projected a singing tone against Thomas Sherwood's beautifully shaped horn solo.

To conclude, Inkinen led a high-voltage reading of Ravel's "La Valse." It was fresh, driving and had a hard sheen, capturing the Viennese waltz as seen through the lens of post-World War I.

Before the program began, the orchestra performed J.S. Bach's "Air" from Suite No. 3 in memory of arts patron Patricia Corbett, who died Jan. 28.

What did you think? Review this concert at cincinnati.com/entertainment. The concert repeats at 8 p.m. Saturday in Music Hall. 513-381-3300, www.cincinnatisymphony.org.