Review: Cirque de la Symphonie in Fort Worth

Normally, it’s rude to applaud while the orchestra is playing, but last night’s show at Bass Performance Hall was different; there was applause aplenty throughout the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra‘s performance, as well as ‘oohs,’ ‘aahs,’ and other utterances of surprise and delight from the audience. We just couldn’t help ourselves. The circus – or rather cirque – is in town.

Aloysia Gavre performing with Cirque de la Symphonie

Cirque de la Symphonie is an 8 person troupe which travels the country performing circus routines with music provided by local orchestras. Last night’s show was accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with a selection of classical tunes heavy on the Khachaturian, a composer whose snaky melodies perfectly complement the sinuous grace of the performers.

Ron Spigelman, in his second season as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s principal pops conductor, made the perfect ringmaster (or is that ring maestro?) for the occasion. His engaging manner and exuberant conducting style make him the type of band leader who not only brings out the best in his musicians, but one who shares his delight with the audience, as well.

Once considered campy and outdated, circus performance has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Nowadays, the genre is synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Last night’s performance was a fine example of these new standards. Performers included Olympic athletes, veterans of Cirque de Soleil, and graduates from prestigious circus colleges.

That’s not to say we didn’t laugh. Vladimir Tsarkov, a juggling jester, added a splash of buffoonery to the whole affair. Irina Burdetsky performed a masterful-yet-cute hoops routine, capably spinning them from every appendage, including the bun on top of her head. Meanwhile, contortionist, Elena Tsarkova, put Gumby to shame.

Christine Van Loo performing with Cirque de la Symphonie

Cirque de la Symphonie performs without a net or safety harnesses, which adds a touch of danger to the aerial routines. I found myself cringing, for instance, as Aloysia Gavre dangled from a hoop using only the tops of her feet to keep her from falling. Christine Van Loo and Alexander Streltsov also took to the air. Their aerial silks routines were especially captivating, with the fluttering cloth creating an ethereal quality.

I had assumed that the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra would be obscured by the spectacle of the evening, but they played a couple tunes without the troupe. Also, the staging was such that the musicians could be viewed easily, which enabled players to sneak peeks at the circus performers, as in fact, I saw a few musicians do – and who could blame them? All visuals aside, there was plenty to hear. The program included a rousing rendition of Saint-Saens Danse Macabre, and even a selection by John Williams from the movie “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.”

The show ended with the perfect blend of musicianship and muscle, with Ravel’s Bolero showcasing various soloists in the ensemble, while providing a tension-building backdrop for Jarek and Darek, a gold-painted duo of gymnastic strongmen. Their act is not easy to describe. Suffice it to say that it’s not often you see someone balancing a fully grown man on his head.

Cirque de la Symphonie is a fun addition to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s 2010 – 2011 pops performance schedule. I highly recommend it. Other concerts in this season’s pops roster include Home for the Holidays, Putting on the Ritzes, Cherish the Ladies, and Broadway Rocks. For more information on the orchestra’s upcoming pops concerts, visit this link.

What: Cirque de la Symphonie
When: November 5 – 7, 2010
Where: Bass Performance Hall (map)
Price: $27 – $79
More information: Visit the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra official website.

NOTE: While tickets were provided  for review purposes, the opinions expressed in this article are wholly my own.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra