MUSIC REVIEW : South Coast Symphony at Orange Coast College

The mood at Orange Coast College was festive Saturday night as the South Coast Symphony closed its concert season with several speeches, a raffle, a post-concert bash and, incidentally, an eclectic program, conducted by John Larry Granger.

The most interesting work was Leon Stein’s recent Concerto for oboe and string orchestra, which was heard in its West Coast premiere. Although conservative in design, the second movement cannot be accused of dry academicism. The haunting melody of this melancholy “Aria Hebraique” was written “in honor of a departed friend and colleague,” according to the composer.

The outer movements are less inspired. Both composer and soloist Joel Timm seemed to do better with melodies than with rapid passage work. According to Stein, who addressed the audience in a pre-concert discussion, they were only recently added. Their sprightly nature seemed superficial and out of place.

The concert began with Stravinsky’s delightfully silly Suite No. 2. Originally conceived for piano, four hands, this neoclassic piece works well in Stravinsky’s imaginative 1921 orchestration. The playing was generally lively, although the march lumbered a bit.

Wagner’s “Siegfried Idyll” set an entirely different mood. Even in its symphonic version, this music is intimate and private. Unfortunately, the performance was marred by problems in intonation and a general lack in unity.

The second half offered Mozart’s Symphony in A, K. 201. The first two movements were disappointing, but the ensemble pulled together for a brilliant minuet and finale.