It is not at all clear that he is interested in the Colorado Symphony’s open music-director position, but Hannu Lintu certainly made a strong case for himself Saturday evening.
The 41-year-old Finnish maestro, who made his Denver debut in back-to-back concerts this weekend, is definitely an up-and- comer in the field and would seem like an obvious candidate.
But the symphony refuses to reveal which guest conductors it is considering.
And with Lintu’s already busy schedule and his recent appointment as chief conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony, beginning in 2013-14, he might not have the time anyway.
Whatever the future holds, it was a joy to just sit back and watch Lintu conduct Saturday, especially in the final selection — Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39, by his country’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius.
He made a powerful statement in this elusive, not-easy-to-like work, paying as much attention to the big moments as the small ones. Although he led with minute control, the playing seemed very free and immediate, with the orchestra giving him its best.
After Lintu’s similarly compelling take on the evening’s opener, Franz Liszt’s “Les Preludes,” Symphonic Poem, came the crowd- pleaser, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35.
Making his symphony debut as guest soloist was Vadim Gluzman.
It was impossible not to be wowed by his dazzlingly prodigious technique, which in — overly? — demonstrative fashion, he put front and center, knocking off the work’s lightning runs and other tricky effects with extreme ease.
But it was hard, especially in the long opening movement, not to wish for more emotional commitment to the music along with the showiness. In short, less flash and more substance.
That said, he was huge hit with the audience, returning for several ovations.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
