Luke Frazier Conducts a Night of Rare Bach, Beethoven, and Brahm

By Erin Lee

Photo by Erin Lee

It was a magical night of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms at the Keyboard at Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale!

Maestro Luke Frazier led the audience on a journey of rare and underperformed classical pieces by the famous composers. 

Taking my seat and browsing the program, I noticed that the selected pieces were mostly unfamiliar to me. Audience members would later learn this was by design: Frazier is programming unique experiences for South Floridians!

Opening with Suite aus den Orchesterwerken von J.S. Bach, Frazier took time to share thoughts on each movement. Watching him perform on harpsichord while simultaneously conducting the entire orchestra was impressive. 

When the last movement of the piece was finished, Maestro Frazier took a moment to explain that the orchestra would grow in size with each composer, with Bach having the smallest and Brahms the largest.

Moving on to Beethoven's Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in B-flat major WoO 6, the Maestro shared with the audience that this piece had never been performed in the state of Florida. 

He then introduced Pianist Mary Anne Huntsman, an accomplished Steinway Artist based in New York City. 

Huntsman's technical proficiency and delicate artistry provided beautiful storytelling; showcasing her adept mastery of the instrument.

After the Beethoven piece finished, we broke for Intermission.

Upon our return, the piano had been removed and Maestro returned to the podium. 

Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 1, Op.25 in four movements took listeners on a musical adventure. 

The percussion section delivered tension, and the dynamics of the strings and wind instruments took turns being highlighted in this gorgeous piece of music. 

Frazier is warm and engaging on the microphone, and visually a joy to watch in his conducting.

Symphony of the Americas performances are not to be missed!

Visit www.sota.org for a full calendar of upcoming events.