Conductor Udagawa brings quiet strength to wide-ranging New England Phil finale

By Aaron Keebaugh, Boston Classical Review, June 19, 2022

Yoichi Udagawa conducted the New England Philharmonic’s season finale Saturday night at Jordan Hall.

Most successful conductors possess a singular strength of musical vision. Yet some lead with a gentle touch that allows for the music to unfold naturally.

Conductor Yoichi Udagawa makes even the thorniest modern score flow with finesse. With his sensitive yet authoritative style, he led the New England Philharmonic in some of its sharpest playing of the season Saturday night at Jordan Hall.

Saturday’s season finale featured music by Eric Nathan and Witold Lutosławski alongside shorter works by young composers. Udagawa, the final candidate for the NEP directorship, revealed the Technicolor splendor of each piece without ever sacrificing momentum.

Read the full article at Boston Classical Review.