NEW YORK TIMES, September 11, 2003

For Some, the First Notes Are Sung at Zankel Hall

By ANTHONY TOMMASINI

But in a move that may have sent an unintended exclusionary message to the public, which Carnegie Hall has so carefully considered in planning the two weeks of varied and affordable inaugural events, this closed press preview was a concert open for review not, as is more typical, a background event for the media. As a rule, The New York Times does not cover concerts that are closed to the public, a decision I support. I like the feeling of camaraderie that comes from hearing music as just one member of the audience. But since this preview was the de facto opening event of Zankel Hall, some coverage was called for.

The program began with a short song for unaccompanied soprano by John Corigliano, commissioned by Carnegie Hall for the occasion and performed by Rene Fleming. But only the press and, last night, patrons at a special private concert for benefactors are hearing it. The commissioning and performance of this song, "Shatter Me, Music," a pensive setting of a Rilke poem adapted by Mark Adamo, were meant as a gesture to these select audiences. But that same gesture could be seen as shutting out the larger public from what was the first work ever performed at Zankel Hall.

Naturally, the question buzzing about the hall during this varied program was: How are the acoustics? I think a pass is called for on that one until I hear some full-fledged programs this weekend, though my very initial reactions were mixed. The sound seemed bright but not especially warm; details and definition came through better at soft volumes, as when Ms. Fleming, accompanied by the pianist Emanuel Ax, performed Strauss's dreamy song "Morgan!," than at full volumes, as when the same artists gave an impassioned account of the stormy "Cäcilie."

In coming weeks, the public will get to hear several of the classical, jazz and world-music works that were performed yesterday, including John Adams conducting an ensemble in Lou Harrison's "Concerto in slendro," the Kenny Barron Quintet and the Fula Flute Ensemble, which I could not stay for.

Speaking to the audience at midpoint in the program, Robert Harth, the executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall, again thanked Arthur Zankel, a vice chairman of Carnegie Hall, and his wife, Judy, who made the critical lead gift of the fund-raising campaign. Mr. Zankel, managing partner at High Rise Capital Management, is a longtime supporter of Carnegie Hall. But Mr. Harth said that he and his staff had made a special point of not inaugurating Zankel with a posh gala event. And there will be no addresses on Friday night, Mr. Harth added, as he congratulated the audience for surviving the "last speech about Zankel Hall."

Those decisions set exactly the right tone. That Zankel Hall's first concert was just for insiders, though, sounded a sour note.