Smetana, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak

National Symphony Orchestra

Washington, D.C.

“It was a wet one, a muggy one, a hot one. But despite the triple threat of the weather, the National Symphony Orchestra, led by the Russian American conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya, managed to make it a memorable one. Yankovskaya was a fine fit for this program of Smetana, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, balancing her ever-present tight control and her often thrilling capability for wild abandon.

…

Yankovskaya brought a welcome fluidity to Vltava’s 14-minute course. She brought out its mournful notes by lightening the strings into translucent veils. And she let the climax of the finale explode after building up the pressure. You half expected the stage to burst like a dam.

…

The first movement [of Dvorak’s New World Symphony] showcased some beautiful textures, Dvorak’s familiar themes awakening in the strings before finding their way into the woodwinds. Yankovskaya sharpened its sharp turns and heightened its drama, but kept its through-line of tenderness intact and its heart beating.”
–Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post

“Under the baton of conductor Lidya Yankovskaya, the NSO brought Vitava’s river to life, taking the audience on a musical journey through meadows and woods, past a farmer’s wedding, and along the shores of palaces and ancient ruins, before finally vanishing into the distance.“
–Jeannette Mulherin, MD Theatre Guide