VIFF Review: Five Days in September

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra like almost all symphonies in North America has gone through rough times in recent years. Last year they hired a new conductor. Hopes were high for a turn around with Peter Oundjian and this film documents his first days with the TSO.

The film crew of Five Days in September [FIVED] was given free reign and it shows. This is a warts and all behind the scenes look at a working symphony. As an ordinary concert goer it was fascinating to see what happens backstage at Roy Thomson Hall before, during, and after a concert.

The main focus was on Oundjian as we follow his daily work life. We move from rehearsal, to media interviews, to rehearsal, to fund raising banquet, to rehearsal, to opening night. Crises occur including the pulling out of a guest artist, and the loss of a major sponsor. The job of music director and conductor is part diplomat, muse, counselor, fund raiser, and sometimes even musician.

Along the way we meet some of the symphony executive, staff, and musicians. Many are veterans and have been with the organization for decades but two young musicians are spotlighted. For the two women in their 20's it was their first day on the job with the orchestra as principal violist and principal cellist respectively.

Also interviewed and featured are the month's guest artists. Pianist Emanuel Ax is a sweet teddy-bear of a guy who's playfulness is infectious. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma's humble intensity infuses his passionate playing. Soprano Renee Fleming is a diva who gets her way with honey rather than vinegar.

Overall it looks as if things are on the way up for the TSO under Oundjian's tenure. Thumbs up!

Once again I got lucky--the film's director Barbara Willis Sweete was in the audience and we got a question and answer session with her. Also in the audience was Maria Bethania: Music is Perfume director Georges Gachot, and Vancouver classic music benefactor Martha Lou Henley.

Before the main feature was the NFB animated short C Note. I'm not sure if I actually heard a note much less a C. A very abstract riot of lines, colors, squiggles, and blobs accompanied the modern orchestral soundtrack of bleeps, scratches, screeches, wails, and plunks. For dedicated fans of CBC's Two New Hours only.