Review: Lively performance by the Valley Symphony Orchestra

_{Maestro Peter Dabrowski conducts the Valley Symphony Orchestra during its concert titled “Potter and Piano” March 23 in the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Eduardo Cortez/THE RIDER}

Magic bounced within the walls of the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center in Brownsville on March 23, as the Valley Symphony Orchestra performed “Piano and Potter.”

The first sign of a good show was a lack of parking spots, followed by the struggle to find a seat; the audience was lively and present for each and every piece.

With the classic and timeless form of art, woodwinds and strings played harmoniously, almost as if dancing through the air while complementing each other as every measure came to pass.

The brass section, although harsh at times, completed the task with dignity.

To close one’s eyes during the performance meant to be transported to a classic romance film and picturing yourself running through the crowded streets of New Orleans.  

Pianist Tanya Gabrelian opened the concert alongside the symphony directed by Maestro Peter Dabrowski with pieces “Allegro,” “Adagio – andante con motto” and “Allegro agitato” from George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F.

Gabrelian’s passion could be seen through slight eyebrow twitching to more noticeable hand and body movements while playing the piano front stage.

Whether the piece called for forte, piano, staccato or legato, Gabrelian presented herself with delicacy and grace as she led the audience through the program with clarity in every note she played.

Every musician’s performance could not be defined by its individuality alone but by its cohesiveness and ability to keep the audience in their seat for the entirety of the concert.

The highlight of the evening came promptly after. Suite for Orchestra composed by John Williams containing “Hedwig’s Theme,” “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Nimbus 2000” and “Harry’s Wondrous World” from the “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” movie was performed.

Attendees who cosplayed as “Harry Potter” characters scooted to the edge of their seats and listened with anticipation. 

When the first notes of “Hedwig’s Theme” started to play, the room got quiet and harmonies echoed. Percussion players moved swiftly through the instruments while strings escalated up and down the music sheet.

As “Nimbus 2000” came to an end, the orchestra’s transition to the next piece was so seamless the audience noticed it once “Harry’s Wondrous World” had begun.

Dabrowski captured John Williams’ essence perfectly, interpreting dynamics of the music sheet into reality.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra doesn’t just sell a seat in an auditorium but an experience that is hoped to be kept alive.