This was a splendid orchestra performing deeply satisfying works that left me wanting to hear more--much more. If I lived where they live, I would buy season tickets in a heartbeat.
The opening Requiem for the Earth was only the first movement of a four part work. It memorialized a devastating earthquake in central China in 2008, and the first movement should have been followed by the remaining movements to make it whole. The first movement was engaging in a way that left me wanting to hear the remaining three movements.
The Yellow River Piano Concerto was breathtaking--and I mean it left me breathless. Muye Wu, the pianist, was powerful beyond words. He electrified the audience with his domination of the piano. The four movements, each by a separate composer, were delightful. The immediate and thunderous response from the audience was an indication that an encore was expected, but not delivered. A missed opportunity.
The final work--Ein Heldenleben--could have been skipped. Well done, but I can hear it elsewhere. After the first two pieces of notably Chinese music I wanted to hear more, much more. And I will do so again if and when they return to Iowa.