Music Reviews : Bogidar Avramov Leads Beverly Hills Symphony

Bogidar Avramov conducted the Beverly Hills Symphony in a light program of Bach, Stravinsky and Bulgarian jazzman Milcho Leviev on Sunday afternoon at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.

The ensemble was at its best in Bach’s familiar Suite in B minor with flutist Robert Shulgold playing the solo part. Lethargic tempos in the faster movements (Overture and Badinerie) and rushed tempos in the slower movements (Sarabande and Polonaise) prevented the music from ringing with authenticity.

Shulgold added extra ornaments here and there, often playing the last line of each movement up an octave. His careful phrasing and steady approach proved satisfying.

In their worst form, the orchestra plodded through Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-flat, “Dumbarton Oaks,” in an untidy performance that never delivered the vitality of the music. Although Avramov deserves credit for an ambitious undertaking, the under-rehearsed result lacked cohesiveness.

After an intermission, the Leviev Jazz Trio--Milcho Leviev, piano, Larry Gales, bass, and Paul Humphrey, drums--took to the stage for a highly improvised performance of Leviev’s popsy Concerto for Piano Trio and Strings. Attempting a fusion between jazz and Baroque, Leviev’s music--improvised solos, contrapuntal meanderings and swing--was carefully thought out but void of originality.

A fairly appreciative audience, some of whom had just finished their picnic lunches, filled the outdoor courtyard for the concert.