Guest conductor Tabita Berglund led the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) in a dynamic concert at the newly renovated Powell Hall, highlighting the theme of standing against injustice. The performance began with Harald Saeverud’s “The Ballad of Revolt,” a piece composed under Nazi occupation, which expressed defiance against oppression. Berglund drew powerful, elemental sounds from the orchestra, culminating in a triumphant finish that resonated with the current socio-political climate.
The concert also featured Sergei Prokofiev’s challenging “Violin Concerto No. 2,” performed by soloist Augustin Hadelich, who captivated the audience with his virtuosity during the nearly 30-minute performance. His engaging stage presence awed the crowd, who applauded enthusiastically, prompting an encore.
The evening concluded with Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2,” showcasing Berglund’s ability to harness the orchestra’s full dynamic range. The renovated hall enhanced the sound, allowing for nuanced performances that traversed moments of silence to exhilarating crescendos. Overall, the concert offered a blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, celebrating both historical and contemporary resilience through music.
