Portland Baroque Orchestra reignites with Aisslinn Nosky

Exuberant and incisive playing by the Portland Baroque Orchestra, led by violinist Aisslinn Nosky, created a vibrant season-opening concert on a blustery Sunday afternoon (October 24). It was the first time in twenty months that the period-instrument ensemble had set foot on stage at Kaul Auditorium, because of the pandemic. But with the Canadian virtuoso inspiring her colleagues, the music of Corelli, Handel and Vivaldi sounded as fresh as ever, making this performance a fun and memorable event.

The vibrancy of the music-making was in no small part due to Nosky, who also made her debut as one of the orchestra’s artistic advisors (there is a quartet of them). Her artistry, technical wizardry, and charismatic personality are an infectious concoction. She also gave brief and informative introductions to the pieces on the programming, adding a bit of personal flavor, which gave us a bit of insight into her relationship with the music.

Straight away in the opening bars of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D Major (Opus 6, No.4), you could practically feel the sonic breeze in the hall. The playful exchange of lines between Nosky and principal second violinist Rob Diggins highlighted the first movement. The second settled into a soothing, balm-like melody before transitioning to a sprightly, upbeat ending that featured dueling lines for Nosky and Diggins.

Handel’s Concerto Grosso in F Major (Opus 6, No. 9) began with expansive, stately tones that transitioned superbly to the spirited discourse between Nosky and the orchestra. The lovely duet between Nosky and Diggins created a terrific sense of longing.

Next came a mesmerizing Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in A minor from “L’estro armónico” (Opus 3, No. 6) featured Nosky’s fleet fingers and deft articulation that contrasted perfectly with the beautifully shaped Largo. After the piece ended, sustained, enthusiastic applause brought her back to center stage a second time.

The orchestra delivered wonderfully lyrical passages in Handel’s Concerto Grosso in G Minor (Opus 6, No. 6) and matched them with polished and silky tones in the fast sections. The concert finished with an exciting Corelli Concerto Grosso in B-flat Major, (Opus 6, No. 11) that was crowned with blazingly deft lines by the violincello. The audience loved it all and responded immediately with a loud, standing ovation.

A snafu with livestreaming caused the concert to begin ten minutes late, but that was the only glitch. Whether you heard this PBO performance in the concert hall or in the comfort of your living room, it was outstanding and bodes well for the future of this ensemble.