Ortiz work provides the highlight in NEP’s ambitious season opener

By Maya Shwayder, Boston Classical Review

The New England Philharmonic is a talented all-volunteer orchestra. While their passion is undeniable, their resources and scale differ from larger professional ensembles.

It’s good to keep this in mind when attending a concert like NEP’s season opener, which, was well-executed and enjoyable even with a few missed moments Sunday evening at Jordan Hall.

The program was buoyed by the exuberance and clear direction of conductor Tianhui Ng and a rock-solid percussion section that anchored the ensemble throughout. Still, the overall effect was a tad uneven, characterized by some off-color notes and slightly garbled entrances and rhythms.

The through-line of Sunday’s program was looking at old cultures and ancient traditions through new music and new eyes, culminating in Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, which is perhaps the quintessential example of this.

Read the full article at Boston Classical Review.