Pechenyuk’s Parallax started off with some chicanery, but evolved into something meaningful by the end. Pechenyuk himself came out to bow at the end, which was a bit surprising for some of the patrons who hadn’t been paying attention to Tovey earlier.

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor was masterfully done. 3 movements of exhilarating grace, accompanied by Kempf’s Jerry lee Lewis-like hair bobbing head movements! Definitely the highlight of the evening.

Finally finishing off with Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony in B minor, a piece that was a bit tedious at times, but achieved its climax with much fanfare and brass gnashing, we left the confines of the Orpheum and made our way home. What can I say? A great night and definitely a must-see for all you fans of the Russian Romantics.

Was this a good idea for a date with a new girlfriend? It seemed like it, despite the barrage of yawns at the end. Next stop: Cryptopsy!