Magic from Kantorow’s baton

Visa problems derailed French conductor-violinist Jean-Jacques Kantorow’s scheduled Pacific Symphony debut last year.

But officialdom was satisfied the second time around, and Kantorow took the helm Wednesday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center -- and the orchestra took amazing flight.

Balance, transparency, unanimity, accuracy, vibrant musical intelligence -- all the desirable qualities that make orchestral ensemble a thrilling cooperative event emerged as Kantorow led music by Mozart, Faure and Bizet.

The Overture to Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” which the Pacific Symphony or the majority of its musicians have played time and again both as a concert work and for Opera Pacific, has probably never been such a passionate and electric experience. The momentum never slackened.

Similarly, the orchestra has rarely shown so much subtlety and mastery in French repertory. Faure’s Incidental Music to “Pelleas et Melisande” set the precedent for diaphanous but substantial textures, and a connoisseur’s discernment and blending of pale colors.

Bizet’s buoyant Symphony in C, written when the composer was 17, provided delight and opportunity for appreciation in every measure.

In both works, Barbara Northcutt was the outstanding oboe soloist.

Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4, which opened the program, by no means had augured that well.

Conducting and serving as soloist, Kantorow led a hasty, driven performance in which he pushed himself and the orchestra.

Phrases fell one on top of another, and the music didn’t breathe. His tone was golden but wiry. Then he took the podium for Faure, and the magic began.