Oktopus – Concert Review

On Wednesday, October 11th, Anders Erikson, accompanied by his mom, two sisters and grandfather opened NOCCA’S 2nd concert of the season with Hadyn’s Concerto in C major 1st Movement. Anders played nimbly. His fingers moved over the strings of the cello with grace and the notes wafted beautifully to the audience. The piece was marked by high concentration on the part of the young cellist as he played from memory.

The 2nd offering was a well known rendition of Phantom of the Opera in which the musicians played their parts well exemplifying their familial talent.

What a night of Klezmer music! The group Okotpus, stretched its tentacles from Montreal, and stretched our musical experience here in Vernon. Playing a wide variety of instruments including, wind, strings, brass and percussion, the music rollicked the audience like non-stop spinning tops and had many listeners dancing in their seats.

The facility of the players was apparent; the precision of the fast lines, intertwined with harmonic interplay between instruments, the abrupt stops and starts with the audience never quite knowing when a piece was actually complete until there was delicious silence. All examples of mind boggling musicianship. Much of the music evoked imagery of celebration, one such image comes to mind, that of  a woman and a man sitting on chairs pulsing in the air while lifted high above the heads of wedding guests.

The music was complex and varied ranging from adapted classical repertoire (Hungarian Dance #5 Brahms, “we fixed the mistakes he made”), to a popular Quebec traditional reel all of which created an atmosphere of ceaseless spinning and energetic movement. It was wonderfully exhilarating. The players were thoroughly enjoying themselves, smiling as they played and had musical conversations with one another.

Near the end of the concert, the young performer, Anders Erikson was invited to the stage to participate in the playing of the Flatbush Waltz. There he was ensconced in the group of players who were appreciative and supportive of his talent. He graced the audience with a wonderfully melodic solo before being swept up in the chaotic melody of the entire group. It was a pleasure to see the expression of joy spread across his face as he adapted to become an integral member of the entire ensemble. Upon speaking with Anders and the ensemble after the concert, it was apparent that each was excited about the experience of a shared expression of talent.

The concert ended with a standing ovation and an amazing encore of Alle Bruder (All Brothers). It was a pure delight spending the evening with such incredible musical talent. As we were leaving the auditorium, one of the young players who accompanied Anders said, “That was the best concert I’ve ever been to…and I didn’t fall asleep!”  Bravo! NOCCA for arranging such a memorable evening of music.

Review by Gerry Sholomenko and Shannon Marsh.

NOCCA’s next concert will feature Quartetto Gelato on Tuesday November 28, 2023.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469.
For more information visit our website nocca.ca