Treger Displays His Conducting Skills

Alexander Treger led his first American Youth Symphony concert since being named conductor-designate of the orchestra, Sunday night in Veterans Wadsworth Theater in Westwood. A year from now, Treger will take over the helm of the AYS, which until then is under the music directorship of longtime leader Mehli Mehta.

Treger’s performance displayed his podium skills as Classicist, concerto accompanist and full-blown Romantic conductor. The conductor-violinist, a longtime member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, seems to excel in all three roles.

In Dvorak’s exuberant and complex Symphony No. 8, Treger achieved a sweeping performance while keeping a tight rein on the many contrasts in the score and letting the enthusiastic young players give vent to their spiritedness.

The string choir, clearly well-coached, really sang out in those places where such opportunities abound; the cellos, in particular, exhibited handsome tone under admirable control. And the winds, often the problematic and overplaying sections in this orchestra--and this work--showed a strong sense for balance and discretion.

Bing Wang, another L.A. Philharmonic member, was guest soloist in Bruch’s ubiquitous G-minor Violin Concerto, sailing easily through its technical mazes and lyric climaxes. Temperamentally, she gave a restrained performance not ideal for this work; perhaps her strongest musical suit has not yet been identified. Treger’s collaboration was a model of musical support and stylishness.

As exposing for pre-professionals as for all musicians, Mozart remains the great leveler. To his Symphony No. 29, the young ensemble gave a game and worthy reading, neatly led by Treger. Yet there were murky and less-than-light-handed moments. Still, the work’s beauties emerged, and the value of the performance as a training tool cannot be overestimated.