“Uncommon Gems,” no less, is the title given to a second outing in the “Ensemble” series that welcomed conductor Sarah Ioannides. The Director of Orchestral Activities at Boston University, she began her career as the first woman appointed to a full-time conducting position with the Cincinnati Symphony. She has since conducted extensively in the United States and on six continents with major orchestras.
Appearing fully absorbed in music making throughout the afternoon, Ioannides led a receptive Pro Arte with a clear-cut swiftness and economy of means. Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances spoke more of folk than of movement until the concluding “Fast Dance” which kicked into high exuberant gear. We learned that Elfrida Andrée (1841−1929), an advocate for women working as telegraph operators, organists, and composers, was determined to do it all. Representing her to wider audiences these days is the Intermezzo from her first symphony. According to its editor Jonathan Spatola-Knoll this unusual choice from Pro Arte would be its first East Coast performance.
