It will likely be many years before an Orchestra Iowa audience witnesses a performance comparable to Saturday's concert in Sinclair Auditorium at Coe College.

CONCERT REVIEW

Violinist Augustin Hadelich delivered a stunning performance of the “Violin Concerto in A minor” by Dimitri Shostakovich, accompanied by Orchestra Iowa under the direction of Maestro Timothy Hankewich.

Hadelich, 25, is a passionate violinist who more than lived up to his billing as a rising star among a new generation of violinists. His dazzling performance, particularly in the second and final movements of the composition, captivated the audience.

As Hadelich and the orchestra ended their performance with a fiery flourish, the audience leapt to its feet in thunderous applause. Shouts of “Bravo!” were heard from all quarters as the young virtuoso took his well-deserved bows.

Hadelich returned to the stage for a solo encore, performing the andante movement from Bach's Second Sonata. If you closed your eyes, Hadelich's artistry was such that at times you thought you heard as many as three violinists.

Orchestra Iowa books its guest artists as much as two years in advance, providing an opportunity to witness Hadelich's accomplished performance after his fee has become much higher than would normally be feasible.

Saturday's final Masterworks concert opened with “Vigil,” written by Dubuque composer Michael Gilbertson. The work, based on the vespers chanted in Russian Orthodox services, combined the ethereal ambiance of the evening prayers with an intense and turbulent Allegro.

Hankewich, directing from memory, led Orchestra Iowa in a bravura performance of Igor Starvinsky's signature “Suite from the Firebird.” Kudoes are in order for Concertmaster Takuya Horiuchi, Principal Cellist Carey Bostian, Principal Oboeist David Hempel, Principal Clarinetist Christine Bellomy, Principal Horn Andy Charles Harris and Principal Harpist Gretchen Brumwell.

Saturday's concert was repeated Sunday afternoon at West High School in Iowa City.

Before the concert, Hankewich recognized two orchestra musicians who are leaving after many years of service to the symphony. Julia Titus has been a member of the percussion section for 30 years and Jeff Funderburk has been principal tuba for 25 years.