“One of Stéphane Denève’s greatest strengths as a conductor is his astute dramatic sensibility. (…)
Denève brings an undeniably operatic drama to works that he conducts in the symphony hall. He began his two-week residency with the Philadelphia Orchestra with a rousing concert of Stravinsky and Prokofiev.
(…) Denève’s interpretations of the music are so vivid that the scenarios of the original ballets are easy to stage in your mind’s eye.
(…) During Cinderella, the audience was vocally appreciative of the energy and enthusiasm that Denève gave the orchestra. One listener, seated in the upper balconies, enthusiastically exclaimed, “Yes!” upon the conclusion of the “Shawl Dance,” and the rest of the audience chuckled in agreement.
(…) Based upon the roaring ovation that Denève received at the end of The Firebird, which concluded the entire program, Philadelphia seems to know how lucky it is to have him, even if only for a couple of weeks.”