Cleveland Orchestra, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, Sol Gabetta Deliver Captivating Performances

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The Cleveland Orchestra, led by Finnish guest conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, delivered engrossing performances of works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Franz Schubert on April 9 at Severance Music Center. Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta was the featured soloist in Shostakovich's Second Cello Concerto, delivering a vibrant and energetic interpretation. Schubert's Ninth Symphony, known for its "heavenly length" and demanding wind and string parts, was brought to life by the orchestra under Rouvali's skilled direction.

Why it matters

The concert showcased the Cleveland Orchestra's versatility and artistry, with the Shostakovich concerto highlighting the talents of guest soloist Gabetta and the Schubert symphony demonstrating the ensemble's ability to tackle a challenging, lengthy work. The performances were well-received by a sizable audience, including many students, highlighting the orchestra's commitment to engaging the local community.

The details

Shostakovich's Second Cello Concerto featured a range of emotional content, from the yearning introduction by the solo cello to the sarcastic dance with bass drum. Gabetta played with a vibrant tone and impressive endurance throughout the 30-minute work. Rouvali expertly guided the orchestra, ensuring tight coordination. In the Schubert symphony, Rouvali found ways to keep the hour-long work thrilling, with subtle tempo changes, dynamic contrasts, and standout solos from the orchestra's principal musicians.

• The April 9 program will be repeated on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 pm.

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What’s next

Tickets are available online for the remaining performances on April 10 and 11.