In Friday’s (1/4) Grand Rapids Press (Michigan), Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk writes, “The Grand Rapids Symphony’s Rising Stars Series, fresh from a Christmas holiday, returned to St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday with music by musicians having a second go around. David Lockington, who will step down from his post as music director in 2015, set aside his baton for his cello bow, to perform as soloist in a Cello Concerto by Philip Sawyers, a violinist who played 25 years with the Royal Opera House Orchestra in London, now pursuing a career as a freelance violinist, teacher and composer. … The sumptuous middle movement is the heart of the piece, beginning and ending with a beautiful melody, anchored by a turbulent development that stretches the ear. Ironically, Sawyers didn’t write this 30-minute piece for Lockington, but Lockington gave the premiere performance in November with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra in California, where he holds a separate appointment as music director. … Lockington played with great depth of feeling, but with feeling well grounded. … The Grand Rapids Symphony had a fine evening of music making, producing a voluminous sound in Royce Auditorium.”
Posted January 4, 2013
