“Prior conducted with the visionary insight and polished skill of superstar veterans like Simon Rattle.
Prior’s towering height and personality-plus as he bowed on the podium inspired confidence. The concert didn’t gradually ease into life as so many can do, but flourished and captured the audience from the very first tone of the solo flute’s introductory mellow melody.
Prior’s synergy with the orchestra was inspired. His command of Debussy’s Prelude a’ L’Apres-midi d’un faune revelled in the music’s dreamy ambience, elastic rhythms, lightly nuanced strings and moments of repose. Debussy’s symphonic poem unfolded with a refreshing and seductive spontaneity. In top form, the strings, French horns and woodwind excelled in highlighting the composer’s impressionistic wash of vibrant colour.”
High standards are expected from professional orchestras and concerto soloists but this concert was unforgettable, a stunner. Perhaps the event should have been dubbed Dynamic Trio because conductor, soloist and orchestra excelled in executing this program of contrasts and extremes and wowed the crowd.”
Gillian Wills, Limelight Magazine (Australia)
