New York Times NY Phil

Apr 5, 2014

Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado has made a critically acclaimed debut with the New York Philharmonic, leading a program of Britten, Bartók, and Shostakovich. The New York Times hailed the performance, writing that “Mr. Heras-Casado drew authoritative and exciting performances from the orchestra that culminated in a heart-pounding, intense rendition of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.” Pablo shined in the performance, “prov[ing] himself a master of texture, building up viscous string melodies and high-voltage currents that ran uninterrupted throughout the long first movement.” In Britten’s Four Sea Interludes, Pablo “demonstrated his skill for drawing out generous phrases and building up momentum in small, patient increments. The final “Storm” erupted with thrilling power.”

New York Classical Review noted the seamless collaboration between orchestra and conductor: “Heras-Casado eschews a baton, and with his simple gestural style, it felt like he and the Philharmonic have been partners for years, moving easy and quickly from gentle phrases to intense power. His beat is utterly clear, and the playing held together all evening, easily and securely, in the trickiest syncopated music.”

Pabo Heras-Casado returns to New York later this month with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s for the NY Phil Biennial, this summer at the Caramoor Festival, and this fall at the Metropolitan Opera for Bizet’s Carmen.