Edward Polochick Leads Baltimore Symphony

“There are fewer and fewer keyboard conductors. It’s a shame that the art of conducting from the keyboard is becoming so rare. In Handel’s time it was the norm,” explains Polochick. “I find that it brings me into the orchestra. We’re all in this together. Like performing chamber music. People ask, ‘How can I direct without standing up with a baton in my hand?’ I can show how I want it played with my own playing. I create moods with sound, which is much better than with gestures.”

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with Edward Polochick for performances of Messiah since 1982. Polochick asserts that he enjoys each successive performance even more than the last. “My basic conception of it has not changed, but it has evolved over time. There are thousands of decisions to make about every detail of dynamics, articulation, ornamentation and phrasing.

Every year we find new insights, and tweak a few of our old ideas. We have many of the same performers who have been with us every year since the beginning, so we have a great sense of continuity. You cannot learn this score quickly. It evolves. The combination of this continuity, along with a little 'new blood' each year, is the ideal recipe. It would be almost impossible to recreate this Messiah anywhere else.”

The “new blood” that enhances this year’s Messiah includes a full line-up of world-renowned soloists. Soprano Amanda Forsythe lends what Opera News describes as “wonderful agility and silvery top notes” to the virtuosic passages of Handel’s work. This year, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke also performs with Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera and joins the Baltimore Symphony again later this season for Bernstein’s Opening Prayer.

Tenor Bryan Hymel won First Prize in the 2008 Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation Competition and several other prestigious competitions. Finally, baritone Stephen Powell has honed his skills through performances with opera companies around the country, including Los Angeles Opera and New York City Opera. -- www.bsomusic.org