Colorado Symphony Orchestra

Andrew Litton brought out some superb playing from the CSO in a wildly diverse program. The Mahler (Symphony NO. 4) offered music-making of the highest level, marked by impeccably balanced playing, ideal tempos and the conductor's thorough command of the work's endless mood shifts.

The value of having a seasoned veteran on the podium became clear...as Litton led the orchestra in an expansive, evocative and utterly engrossing interpretation of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No.4 in G major.

With Andrew Litton leading the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in a warm and sympathetic accompaniment, Oliveira brought freshness, energy and a wonderfully burnished sound to the (Bruch G-minor violin) concerto...After intermission Litton presided over another concert hall staple, Strauss' sumptuous tone poem Also Sprach Zarathustra...Litton was in total control, never letting things sag, never letting tension slip...until the final, barely audible pluck of resignation from the basses.

Litton brought a sense of cohesion to it all (Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra) in this bold, lustrous interpretation...making it every bit the orchestral showpiece it should be.