On February 24, the Binghamton Philharmonic performed a crowd-pleasing pops concert – with a twist. In “Pops at the Forum,” rather than sticking to the timeworn pops formula of show tunes and light classics, Maestro Daniel Hege led the orchestra in a satisfyingly dynamic mix of opera excerpts, overtures, film music, and even rock.
The show spotlighted the talents of several of the Philharmonic’s world-class musicians. Principal cellist Hakan Tayga, along with percussionists Julie Licata, Steve Matthiesen, Sam Lazzara, and the father-daughter team of Joel and Elaina Smales, provided dramatic solos in Tan Dun’s atmospheric “Crouching Tiger” Concerto. Principal flutist Karen Bogardus and oboist Evan Ocheret phrased their solo lines sinuously in Fauré’s delicate Pavane in F-sharp minor. The orchestra’s trumpet section – Frank Campos, Ben Aldridge, and Jud Spena – brought the heat in Leroy Anderson’s toe-tapping “Bugler’s Holiday.” And the whole audience whistled along enthusiastically to the “Colonel Bogey” March (known to some as the “Comet” song!).
Other highlights of the show were Wagner’s famous Ride of the Valkyries, the brass-heavy “Fanfare on Amazing Grace” by living African American composer and Upstate New York native Adolphus Hailstork, and a hard-driving orchestral arrangement of the Led Zeppelin classic “Kashmir,” with Sam Lazzara rocking out once again on solo drum.
As usual, it was a pleasure to see many children and teens in the audience; one young Hakan Tayga fan seated directly in front of this reviewer played air cello along with the soloist’s every note. The rest of the audience was just as appreciative, leaping to its feet spontaneously at the close of the concert. “Pops at the Forum” was a wonderful addition to the Philharmonic’s season line-up, and a great way to while away a winter day!
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