Modern Marvel

Little milestones dot the evolutionary path of a symphony orchestra, sometimes when you least expect them. One of these signpost events occurred last weekend in the young life of the New West Symphony when the group took on that modern classic, Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, and performed it with a measured boldness and purpose that spelled pure dazzlement.

The performance was the highlight of the symphony’s sixth concert season, and if it was something of a rite of passage, a badge of honor is due. Part of the challenge is just selling the 1945 composition. Audiences have become suspicious of any classical concert with music newer than the turn of the 20th century.

Conductor Boris Brott, comfortable with both a baton and a microphone, made his usual amiable preconcert commentary from the podium at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

“It’s very important to program new works,” he exclaimed, adding that “if you can truly come up to me afterward and say ‘I hated that,’ join me for dinner after the show.”

No dinner plans were apparent by show’s end, and that is partly because this piece represents Bartok, the Hungarian modernist master, in a relatively melodic, accessible mood. Warmth and humor are embedded in the score, along with Bartok’s familiar elements of polytonality and vigorous, folk-inspired rhythms.

There is that woozy moment when a trombone glissando leads the Intermezzo into a circus-like melodic passage. The rapid, furtive fiddling in the last movement comes closest to suggesting Bartok’s early investigations into Hungarian folk traditions, which he wove into his compositional style.

As the title implies, the Concerto for Orchestra gives the orchestra itself a rousing workout, and New West rose beautifully to the challenge. Hearing a modern masterwork played well is a good argument for the vital importance of orchestral culture, whether in Ventura County or other corners of the world.

This was also the program in which concertmistress Elizabeth Pitcairn took a few steps forward, from the orchestral ranks to the soloist’s spotlight. On the timeless showpiece of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Opus 64, Pitcairn showed the obvious gifts that are helping guide her onto the larger classical playing field, playing a Stradivarius with roots going back to the Mendelssohn family.

From the opening thematic statement, Pitcairn demonstrated her full, lucid tone and technical ease. She deftly handled the work’s felicitous tunes as well as its pleading Andante, and met challenges along the way with speed, delicacy and precision. A standing ovation and applause from her onstage colleagues were entirely in order.

BALLET NEWS, FROM THE SOURCE:

The ballet event of the season in Ventura County takes place tonight at the Civic Arts Plaza when the Russian National Ballet unveils its lauded choreography for Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” In a sense, this performance comes straight from the source. It will be danced in full-length form with elaborate costumes and sets, just as when the composer’s music premiered at the Bolshoi Theater in 1877. It was not an instant success, but after a revival in 1895, its status as a ballet landmark began.

To continue the lineage, famed Bolshoi principal dancer Sergei Radchenko was handpicked in 1994 to lead the Russian National Ballet. The Moscow-based company is a product of “perestroika,” the opening up of the former Soviet Union that led to the fall of the Iron Curtain. The focus is on perpetuating the noble tradition of Russian ballet, honing its artistry at home and bringing it to the world.

DETAILS

“Swan Lake,” Russian National Ballet, tonight at 8 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Tickets are $26.50-46.50; 449-ARTS.

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JAZZ FOR THE LIBRARY’S SAKE: Live jazz has been having a higher public profile in Ventura lately, thanks to the San Buenaventura Friends of the Library, which sponsors concerts as a way of raising funds. Saturday night, the group that will be on hand represents some of the finest players from Los Angeles.

Leading the group is trumpeter Jonathan Dane, but the pianist, Kei Akagi, may be better known here and elsewhere. A formidable player, Akagi lived and played in Santa Barbara for several years and was the keyboardist in one of Miles Davis’ last groups. He went on to establish himself on the international scene as an acoustic pianist of power and intellect. He teaches at UC Irvine when not on the road. Akagi and Dane will be joined by Chris Colangelo on bass and Jason Harnell on drums.

DETAILS

Jonathan Dane Quartet, featuring Kei Akagi, Saturday, 8 p.m., Church of Religious Science, corner of Santa Clara and Laurel streets in Ventura. Tickets are $15; 644-9247.