Star-Ledger: ‘Bravo, Maestro Lacombe’
The Star-Ledger reviews Jacques Lacombe’s final program as NJSO music director:
[Lacombe] brought out the very best in the orchestra with two pieces by Maurice Ravel.
In "La Valse" Lacombe gave the 1920 piece a bouncy tempo and excellent balance. Ravel's music contains both color and texture, and it was all audible — plus performed with panache. This continued in the Suite No. 2 from "Daphnis and Chloe," which opened with a flourish of swirling arpeggios. As before, using his compact gestures, Lacombe drew out a crisp account of the 1912 score. Ravel's melodies were gracefully articulated, with just the right amount of impressionism.
The music breathed with life and felt vital. Bravo, Maestro Lacombe — this was a fitting conclusion to your tenure with the NJSO.
JACQUES LACOMBE: TOP 10 MOMENTS
From his magical NJSO debut leading Carmina Burana to triumphant performances at Carnegie Hall’s Spring For Music Festival to his celebration of New Jersey’s rich cultural heritage, NJSO Music Director Jacques Lacombe has garnered praise from audiences and critics alike for his talents on the podium and creative programming during his remarkable six-year tenure.