What a thrill to be at the inaugurual concert of the brand new National Broadcast Orchestra held at the Chan Centre for the performing Arts, January 8th, 2010.

It was with great pride that I listened to Phillpe Labelle (President, Board of Directors) speak about the monumental achievement of bringing the vision of the NBO to fruition, and how fantastic it is that this  national institution, indeed national treasure  is being based in Vancouver!

The concert was a  stunning array of musical epochs and styles which was superb showcase for the  talent and  amazing abilites of the orchestra, well chosen by conductor and artisitc director Alain Trudell.

The concert began with the Prokofief Classical Symphony in which the orchestra glistened with breathtakking precision, and Maestro Trudell led with such ease that even the lightning fast Finale felt bouyant and joyous. Trudell moves with natural grace, and the orchestra responded with a sound that was warm, and had a myriad of tonal colourations that glinted and sparkled, shimmered and gleamed.

The early Beethoven work certainly was a tribute to the masterful Kuerti, who reconstructed all of the orchestral parts! And a big hand to Anton Kuertio for  gifting his performance to the fledging NBO!

The second half sprang open with Alain Trudell's Preach, Jens Lindemann playing solo trumpet. Lindemann strode onto stage in a neon turquoise jacket that wowed the crowd, and his playing left us wanting MORE!

Trudell's music is compelling, jazz influenced, rhythmic, driving; I was riveted to the performers as they played and clapped their way through the 11/8 5/8 constantly shifting time signatures, coming to a brilliant finish in a movement appropriately named Screech.   BRAVO!

Lindemann shifted gears for the next number, coming on stage in a staid black suit, but after a few moments of informative banter, he refered to his attire, and told the audience "not to worry......it Versace!" then he flashed  the scarlet silk lining  to the crowd!  What fun! And  yet another fantastic performance of a great new Canadian work, Kalla, by Allan Gilliland.

The concert closed with the traditional sounding work The Sparrows Ledger, which had many intricate solos beutifully performed  by Brent Aikins Concertmaster, Rebbecca Whitiling Principal Second, Neil Miskey Principal Viola and Janet Steinberg, Principal Cello.

To make the evening a perfect 10, the orchestra chose the Finale of the Prokofief as an encore, which brought everyone to their feet for a rousing ovation.

This concert will be broadcast Jan 17th, 2010 11:00 am 105.7

on IN Concert with Bill Richardson.

You can be a part of the NBO simply go to online giving, this is an Obama-style grass roots nationwide donation campaign, asking for only $10.00. Be a part of the NBO and donate today  go to canadahelps.org