Kahn, Frank & Prokofiev

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Atlanta, GA

"The orchestra played deftly and attentively under Yankovskaya. She conducted with a broad but clear beat, shaping phrases with practiced swoops of her arms and quick zips of her baton. Prokofiev is Yankovskaya’s wheelhouse, as are Slavic masterpieces more generally. The ASO sounded entrancing Thursday, playing music that bordered on being emotionally overwhelming, a credit to the conductor’s reading of the ballet. From the thundering triple-forte chords that open ‘The Montagues and the Capulets’ and that movement’s yo-yoing string melody to the scalding strings and woodwind filigree in ‘Cortege with Tybalt’s Body,’ the ASO sounded in top form.”
–Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“The ASO entices with a culture-melding East-West theme – guest conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya took the podium to lead works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Amjad Ali Khan, and Sergei Prokofiev. The selections from Romeo and Juliet proved an effective lineup of Prokofiev’s music that went over rather well. The program offered an insightful, culturally comparative experience, showcasing the power of music to transcend boundaries for those open to the journey. ”
–EarRelevant

”Yankovskaya is graceful to watch on the podium, with a lot of shoulder-level arm motion. Her stick technique was clear in the Prokofiev and together with the orchestra, they offered moments of sparking clarity and unbridled power. “
–ArtsATL