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ReviewKiev Symphony and Chorus delights sold-out crowdBy JORGE SANCHEZ © St. Petersburg Times, published November 4, 2000 LECANTO -- The Kiev Symphony and Chorus not only performed two sold-out shows at Curtis Peterson Auditorium Wednesday and Thursday, they also left a legacy of world-class music for thousands of appreciative music lovers.
From the opening notes of the processional O Come All Ye Faithful to the finale from Tchaikovsky's Firebird, the program was a top-flight presentation of classical music. Even though the 185-member orchestra and chorus is nearing the end of its 70-concert tour, the treatment of the score retained energy and enthusiasm. The audience responded with standing ovations, not an easy task since the auditorium was so crowded that movement was difficult. The performance was sponsored by Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church of Lecanto. Conductor Roger McMurrin appeared comfortable and relaxed. He gave the audience program notes about the classical composers. The string section was in great form Thursday night, energizing The 1812 Overture. The Russian chorus gave the work an authenticity and tone which it often lacks. "We're going to play this with Tchaikovsky's original ending, which for 70 years was not permitted to be heard in the Ukraine," he said. "It ended with "God bless the czar' and, of course, those were two things you couldn't mention." McMurrin and his wife, Diane, moved to the Ukrainian city of Kiev in 1992 to become "music missionaries." They have since put together the Kiev Symphony and Chorus and embark on regular world tours. He said the musicians are carrying on the tradition of great Ukranian performers. "Many of them studied at Kiev College of Music and the Kiev Conservatory, where Vladimir Horowitz studied," he said.
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