Review: “Wind Force Ten” New Year’s Concert of the Heidenheim Opera Festival: A Musical Steamship at Full Speed
"Wind Force Ten" - New Year’s Concert of the Heidenheim Opera Festival: A Musical Steamship at Full Speed
The New Year’s concert of the Heidenheim Opera Festival, titled "A Night on Broadway," transformed into an impressive cruise through deep musical waters far removed from shallow musical clichés.
On Friday evening, the former director of the opera festival, Marcus Bosch, who now serves as the festival’s intendant following his contract extension until 2030, steered the concert towards musical theater. However, as expected, this was not a simplistic "Best of Musical" collection but rather a selection of fine, vintage pieces. These works come from a time when the artistic value of musicals was still harmoniously aligned with their commercial success.
This year, Bosch invited the Stuttgart Philharmonic and soprano Leah Gordon aboard his sold-out musical steamship, navigating forward at full steam, with musical shore excursions included.
The evening began with Cole Porter's "Anything Goes", set aboard the ocean liner "America." Its overture, based on four songs, launched the concert with style. This was followed by "Kiss Me, Kate," Shakespeare’s "The Taming of the Shrew"set as a play within a play. Leah Gordon seized this first opportunity to shine with her charming rendition of "Why Can’t You Behave."
Throughout the concert, Bosch demonstrated his unmatched skill as a conductor, leading the Stuttgart Philharmonic through a series of ambitious pieces. Highlights included George Gershwin’s opulently orchestrated Catfish Row Suite from "Porgy and Bess" and Kurt Weill’s symphonic Nocturne from "Lady in the Dark." Both suites allowed Bosch and the orchestra to showcase their dynamic range and mastery of groove, pushing the boundaries of sound to new heights.
Leah Gordon, in a series of stunning outfits, delivered powerful performances, including "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz." Her versatility was particularly evident in her rendition of "There’s No Business Like Show Business" from "Annie Get Your Gun," performed with fanfare and vocal strength reminiscent of the best of Broadway.
The concert concluded with George Gershwin's "Cuban Overture," showcasing Bosch's ability to channel Caribbean rhythms. The encore, "Anything Goes," brought the evening full circle, with Leah Gordon delivering a spectacular final bow with "Blow, Gabriel, Blow."
For this New Year’s Concert, Marcus Bosch proved once again that he is not only a master conductor but also a true visionary in crafting an exceptional musical journey. His partnership with the Stuttgart Philharmonic and Leah Gordon promises more outstanding performances in the upcoming opera festival season.
