AT&T U-verse Happy Hour
4 stars
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Hilbert Circle Theatre
March 13
 
Thomas Wilkins set the standard, conducting a delightfully satisfying concert for the capacity audience arriving after a day’s work. With an easy-going, “hey, it’s sweet of you to be here” manner he blended musicology with what’s relevant now.

He talked us through the old masters finding their “groove,” highlighting Mozart’s contrasting conversations between sections. With an audience member, Wilkins demonstrated how our movement inspires music as a prelude to three-dance related compositions by Haydn, Bartok and Warlock.

In a nod to St. Patrick’s Day, Wilkins and the ISO players offered Grainger’s “Molly On The Shore,” in which the Irish reel tune weaves through all the sections in a game of hide and seek.

The 6-7 p.m. concert opened with Mendelssohn and closed with Beethoven. Radio NOW’s McKinzie hosted. Ryan Ahlwardt presented in the lobby from 5-6 p.m. as concert-goers mingled and enjoyed complimentary snacks.

Wilkins returns for the April 24 Happy Hour. Call 317-639-4300 or log on to www.IndianapolisSymphony.org.