Concert review: The Knights

The inimitable chamber orchestra The Knights concluded their three-concert residency at Carnegie Hall with an innovative programme that ‘lean[ed] into familial and intergenerational connections’, according to Knights violin soloist and founder Colin Jacobsen. It opened with the world premiere of Jessie Montgomery’s Rhapsody no.2, arranged by Michi Wiancko for violin and chamber orchestra, with Jacobsen playing the virtuosic violin solo with confidence and aplomb.

The New York premiere of the piano concerto Heirloom, written by Gabriel Kahane for his father, pianist Jeffrey Kahane, was given a heartfelt introduction by the composer and Jeffrey Kahane’s realisation of the solo part was utterly stunning. Gabriel Kahane’s ballad Where Are the Arms closed the first half of the concert with soulful singing and beautifully played orchestral accompaniment.

Anna Clyne’s Shorthand for cello and orchestra – another New York premiere – featured cellist Karen Ouzounian who performed with tremendous heart, bringing joy and a captivating sound to the stage. The hauntingly beautiful opening gave way to a wonderful klezmer tune filled with energy and rhythmic drive, then melodic lines interspersed with crazy scalar passages; Ouzounian’s standing ovation was well deserved. Mozart’s Symphony no.31 closed the programme and was performed with zest and restrained energy. Although the violin sound was frequently a tad thick, overall each movement was well-structured and elegantly shaped. A jubilant ending brought the crowd to its feet once more with thunderous applause.

LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH