Levine gives emotional farewell concert
Joel Levine, artistic director emeritus of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, returned to the Civic Center stage for the last time Saturday with a poignant performance, receiving an outpouring of ardent ovations celebrating his three decades with the orchestra.
Through his years of dedicated work, Levine’s impact on our arts community cannot be underestimated; his service to our city is undeniably the reason we are blessed with the beautiful orchestra and vibrant musical culture we enjoy in Oklahoma City today.
Saturday’s program began with Aaron Copland’s deeply moving “Lincoln Portrait.” Citing excerpts of the 16th U.S. president’s speeches, the ever-relevant patriotic work was executed beautifully. Resisting theatrics or effect, Levine’s reserved, matter-offact approach served the piece exceedingly well, resulting in an honest, straightforward and reverent performance.
The first half closed with Ravel’s orchestration exercise turned audience favorite, “Bolero.” Once again, Levine’s relaxed, and relatively “laissez faire” approach was particularly befitting of this work. Levine’s decision to humbly showcase the orchestra rather than himself on his final concert was especially touching. The work’s famously long build unfolded entirely organically, featuring a brilliant spectrum of orchestral colors, and truly remarkable solos, all around.
Performed with great care and expression, Tchaikovsky’s epic “Symphony No. 4” holds a special significance for Levine, and for the OKC Philharmonic. The piece was featured on the orchestra’s premiere performance 30 years ago as a testament to the impressive possibilities of the newly formed ensemble. Closing Levine’s tenure with this same piece appropriately, and emotionally, brought his illustrious career full-circle, marking end of an era.