Review: Olympia Symphony Orchestra’s Kaleidoscope season premiere concert ‘Lift’ 

Rachel Benton

George Gershwin, reflecting on his “Rhapsody in Blue,” once said, “I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America – of our vast melting-pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our blues, our metropolitan madness.” 

 Now, more than a century later, the work lives in many ways. My favorite is through our own Olympia Symphony Orchestra (OSO), which performed the piece with guest pianist Calder Failla on Oct. 11 at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts for the Kaleidoscope season premiere concert, “Lift.” 

How fitting that this piece, alongside others like Wynton Marsalis’ "Blues Symphony (Movements 3, 4 and 5)" and Gershwin’s "Catfish Row" from "Porgy and Bess," was brought to life as part of this lift off to the Kaleidoscope season — a season that challenges us to see the world from multiple perspectives. Music is a powerful tool for fostering understanding and inspiring a spirit of learning. 

One unexpected surprise was announced at this concert by new Executive Director Geoff Yost. This concert was recorded for radio broadcast on Classical KING, as will all other subscription concerts this season.

Just when we think our orchestra has reached its peak, it raises the bar even higher. This is a truly exciting community to be part of, and an especially exciting time to be alive. 

 The review

The concert opened on a wonderfully nostalgic note. With the stage curtains closed, an old radio recording of a male vocalist performing, “Feeling Good,” filled the hall. As the orchestra began to play, the curtain rose to reveal the musicians. It gave me goosebumps! Such a seemingly simple gesture made for a spectacular opening and set the tone for the season.  

If I were to give this concert a theme beyond “jazz classical,” it would be “performers shining.” OSO added a layer of theatricality to every selection of the program. Music Director Alexandra Arrieche has always been a natural performer, bringing personality and her own flair to the podium — one of the many reasons we all love her — but at this concert, I saw that same quality shine through in so many other musicians onstage. 

The orchestra was filled with musicians who were deeply engaged with the music, and that emotional connection was evident in their performances. It’s nearly impossible to highlight every OSO member individually, but singling out just a few would feel unfair to the many others who brought the same passion and commitment to the stage. In other words, every OSO member deserves a round of applause. 

The two guest performers added the perfect finishing touch to the sophistication and elegant magic unfolding onstage.

To appreciate the significance of guest conductor Ying Lam’s appearance, note renowned conductor Marin Alsop mentored Music Director Alexandra Arrieche and Lam in the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship. Arrieche is now a mentor in the program, and Lam is a mentee.  

Lam took the podium for the third movement from Marsalis and brought a sparkling theatricality to her conducting, making her feel almost like the narrator of a dynamic, ever-unfolding play. I genuinely had fun watching her. Lam brought the music to life and connected with the audience in a truly engaging way. If this performance is any indication, I am fully confident Lam will enjoy an incredibly successful and vibrant career.  

Guest pianist Calder Failla delivered a magnificent performance of Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue," blending musical brilliance with an irresistibly charming personality. It didn’t feel like Failla was playing the piano; the instrument seemed like an extension of himself, through which he told a story. Watching his hands move across the keys, I was amazed by his technique. He pulled off some moves I had never seen before, and I found myself both excited and thoroughly impressed! 

Failla was a wonderful storyteller, too. In an interview for this column, I learned that he once studied ballet and developed a deeply physical way of engaging with music. Seeing that connection come to life in his performance was incredible.

Interestingly, though, his body language evoked less of the ballet world than the spirit of the 1920s jazz tradition. Failla clearly did his homework — scratch that. He crafted a performance that blended historical context with his own charisma, feeling both rooted in tradition and distinctly his own. 

Calder Failla, please come back to Olympia! We want to keep watching you work your magic. 

If this incredibly powerful concert is any indication of what’s to come, I cannot wait to see what the Olympia Symphony Orchestra has in store for the rest of the season! Click here to learn more.  

P.S. A big thank you to the Olympia Symphony Orchestra for inviting me to take over your Instagram and capture moments throughout the day for your social media! I loved it! Click here to watch the video of all the stories of the day!