Karina Canellakis
Review: Karina Canellakis’ San Francisco Symphony Debut
From San Francisco Classical Voice
An Exceptional Russian Program From SF Symphony
By Janos Gereben
“In the Prokoviev sprint and the Shostakovich marathon, Canellakis impressed equally. […] Unlike conductors who vary their appearance of control, pulling back at times and letting the great engine of the orchestra run free, Canellakis uses large sweeping motions invariably to telegraph every aspect of the music. Her consistency and unflagging, visible control were especially important in maintaining focus through the sprawling, demanding “Leningrad” Symphony.”
“At the end of the 70-minute musical goliath, the orchestra had delivered an inexorable execution of a most demanding score. And, once again, kudos for Canellakis for brave programming and brilliant execution.”