In Tuesday’s (2/26) Times-Picayune (New Orleans), Chris Waddington writes, “Carlos Miguel Prieto acted quickly when his top-ranked, European soloist fell violently ill as the Louisiana Philharmonic walked on stage this past Thursday. And his quick decision brought glory to a young, musical star in the making: 21-year-old LPO clarinetist Christopher Pell, who joined the orchestra in September. Pell, who is still a student at New York’s prestigious Julliard School, performed Aaron Copland’s virtuosic, three-part clarinet concerto on a few minutes’ notice, and knocked it out of the park. … ‘I’ve never seen something like this happen at a professional orchestra,’ Prieto said. … Prieto responded to Pell’s performance by posting a challenge on the LPO website: ‘Witnessing incredible musicianship and dedication, such as that displayed by Chris and our entire orchestra on a daily basis, makes me excited to recommit myself to attracting and retaining the best musicians for our community. With that, I pledge that I will personally match, dollar for dollar, any renewed or additional donation that you make from today to March 31 in support of maintaining an internationally-acclaimed orchestra.’ Prieto wasn’t alone in his excitement. Cellist Annie Cohen, who helped to found the LPO two decades ago, called Pell’s performance one of the most amazing experiences of her career.”
Posted February 27, 2013
