November 15, 2024
Reviewers praised the opening performance of Slatkin’s program with the National Symphony Orchestra, which features Cindy McTee’s Double Play, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 with soloist Emanuel Ax, and Walton’s Symphony No. 1. As classical music critic Michael Brodeur of The Washington Post observed, “Slatkin’s close understanding of the music [Double Play] was evident in his meticulous management of its many little details, as well as the grand gestural sweep of its form.” Writing for Washington Classical Review, Alex Baker affirmed, “Slatkin’s long association with the composer was evident in a focused and absorbing performance [of Walton’s Symphony No. 1].” The concert will be repeated 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Kennedy Center.