Symphony plays at its stellar best

UTAH SYMPHONY, Abravanel Hall, Friday night; also tonight, 8 p.m. (355-2787).

Principal guest conductor Pavel Kogan returns to Salt Lake City this weekend to lead the Utah Symphony in a memorable concert of works by Richard Strauss, Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

Whenever Kogan is on the podium, the symphony invariably reciprocates with a stellar performance full of bravura and virtuosity. That was readily apparent in the first work on the program, Strauss' "Don Juan." An orchestral tour de force, "Don Juan" tests the limits of an orchestra. And at Friday's concert, the Utah Symphony gave a performance that was nothing short of stunning.

Kogan's bold gestures and characteristic quick tempos gave the Strauss impassioned vitality and restless drive. The performance was also notable for the spectacular playing of the brass section and for concertmaster Ralph Matson's and principal oboe Robert Stephenson's beautiful solos.

Kyung-Wha Chung joined Kogan and the orchestra before intermission for the Brahms Violin Concerto. Chung is a sensitive musician who possesses remarkable artistry and musicality. She played the Brahms with keen insight into the music, giving a wonderfully expressive and radiant performance. Enhancing the performance, too, was the solid collaboration between soloist and conductor.

Kogan and the orchestra closed out the program with a brilliantly executed performance of Tchaikovsky's seldom heard Symphony No. 2 ("Little Russian"). Kogan's exuberant direction and brisk tempos gave the work a bouyancy that brought it to life. And once again the orchestra turned in a superb performance. Principal horn Bruce Gifford was particularly impressive for his solo playing.

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E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com