Moscow State Radio Symphony delivers at BU

Reviewed by Tony Villecco

Binghamton University’s Anderson Center in its limited but varied season presented the Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra Feb. 16 to an almost sold-out audience. Founded in 1978, the orchestra concentrates on symphonic repertoire of the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries, primarily in Russia, although it has traveled extensively, including the United States, Italy and Korea.

Appropriately performing all Russian works, Maestro Alexei Kornienko opened with Rimsky-Korsakov’s “May Night Overture.” While perhaps not the most exciting piece with which to begin a program, considering the huge repertoire of the Russian composers, it was a lyrical and evocative work that showcased the commitment of the string players. In turn, the strings were answered by some haunting trombone playing.