Julliard phenom Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner was one of the highlights of Newport Classical’s last weekend of the Music Festival, in his first solo concert with the organization. He put on a display of classical works mixed in with pieces that paid homage to his Mexican heritage. All of which was a delight to the packed audience at Emmanuel Church—the wonderful headquarters for Newport Classical—on Spring Street. Even a rogue bat tried to crash the concert at the beginning before wisely heading out the door.
On Saturday, July 20, Sanchez-Werner began his stunning program with two Frederick Chopin pieces full of energy and verve. The first, Chopin’s “Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor,” exuded wild frenzy and mystery, and was full of aggressive octaves.
Sanchez-Werner followed up the Scherzo with another fun piece by Chopin, the “Barcarolle in F-sharp Major.” The Barcarolle had been one of the composer’s favorites, a work that he consistently featured in his concerts until the final year of his career in 1848. Sanchez-Werner played with clear reverence of the beloved work.
The young pianist concluded the first part with Ludwig van Beethoven’s emotionally generous “Sonata No. 28 in A Major.”
A fun second half
After intermission, the Julliard alum returned with two exciting pieces that served as a call to his Mexican culture, including Jesus Rubio’s “Jarabe Tapatio” and Consuelo Velazquez’s “Besame Mucho.” The audience loved both pieces and I saw several concert goers humming and tapping along to the music. Sanchez-Werner got to display his powerful skills on the keys while also expressing his fun, melodic style. I can tell you that I’m sure I wasn’t the only one still humming “Besame Mucho” on the way out.
The originally scheduled Sergei Rachmaninoff work, “Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, was replaced by Franz Liszt, Manuel Ponce and Johann Sebastian Bach. I would have liked to have heard the Rachmaninoff, but since Liszt is one of my favorite piano composers, I was delighted with the change. The Ponce and Bach pieces—I do not know the exact names (I’m sorry, since they weren’t in the program)—were also wonderful surprises.
Sanchez-Werner received a standing ovation and came back twice for his bow. Let’s hope he makes another return to Newport. He’s a gifted performer.
The acoustics at Emmanuel Church proved excellent as usual. It really is a boon to Newport that despite not having a performance theater, we have musical spaces such as Emmanuel that features two incredible concert hall options. In this case, the church hall was used.
I also marveled at the breadth of performances that Newport Classical puts on during the summer. I’ve loved the winter season as well, their Chamber Series. But the summer concerts include the Newport mansions, along Bellevue, which gave many of them an extra dose of grandeur.
At The Breakers, I got to take in the concert with The Gilded Age’s Laura Benanti earlier in the season: a fabulous performer matched by fabulous surroundings. It’s also nice to have the option of attending concerts in its staple location at Emmanuel, where music is the primary focus. What an amazing season Newport Classical put on, ranging from piano, to Broadway, to opera, string quartets, contemporary pieces, among the many options over a fortnight in July. Newport Classical truly is a marvel in this City by the Sea.
Up next for Newport Classical are their Community Concerts. Check their website for the schedule.