Young Sanderling Leads With Confidence

The summer musical season at the Hollywood Bowl hums along. Tuesday night, at the first event of the seventh week of Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts for the year 2000, an audience of just more than 4,000 (according to a spokesman) heard a program of music by British composers led by young Stefan Sanderling. They clapped heartily between movements and loudly at the end and were given pleasing and respectable performances. Only a few passing aircraft distracted the listener.

The 36-year-old conductor, son of the esteemed musical veteran Kurt Sanderling, made his third Bowl appearance leading the Second Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar and Gustav Holst’s astrological suite, “The Planets.”

He did so with authority and quiet confidence. The orchestra played colorfully, if not always immaculately. But then, one does not expect indoor miracles at huge outdoor venues, especially as the Philharmonic’s summer rehearsal schedules are limited.

Much of the panache and bravado of Holst’s popular brace of pieces emerged handsomely; its many and varied moods, from the aggressive proclamations of “Mars” to the eerie mysteries of “Neptune,” hit their aural marks accurately. Strong soloism came from the first desks, and usually tight ensemble from the ranks.

Ronald Leonard, who retired last year as principal cello of the orchestra, returned to take the solo spotlight in the Elgar work. His gorgeously intoned performance, carefully seconded by conductor and orchestra, achieved nobility of statement, an effortless virtuosity and great heart, all of which he projected with his usual command. Appropriately, the audience cheered.