OXFORD — For 42 years, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has honed its reputation as one of the best chamber orchestras in the world. On Thursday, the orchestra visited the Miami University Performing Arts Series, bringing the fine American pianist Garrick Ohlsson and a colorful program to the cavernous Millett Hall.

        The concert, the second on its Midwest tour, came on the heels of the announcement Monday that Andreas Delfs, 41, will be the fifth music director of the SPCO, effective in September 2001. The German-born, Juilliard-trained conductor will retain his other post, that of music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

        The St. Paul performed under its Baroque Series director, Nicholas McGegan. His touch was evident in the playing, which emphasized a crisp, somewhat dry attack in the strings, engaging wind playing and excellent balance.

        Mr. McGegan, who led without a baton, was most persuasive in Rameau's Suite from Nais, an obscure opera written to hail the end of the War of the Austrian Succession (1748). The Overture, full of colorful battle music, was brisk and blustery. The orchestra breathed as one in the lively Rigaudons, Tambourins and a lengthy Chaconne, depicting athletic games.

        Of the movements, “Menuets” stood out for its charming piccolo solo and the antique quality of strummed pizzicatos.

        The first notes of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major were a reminder that Mr. Ohlsson is a pianist of warmth, impeccable technique and the ability to communicate the joy of his music making. His first-movement cadenza was a mesmerizing balance of Beethovenian introspection and impassioned outbursts.

        The evening's most heavenly moment came in the second movement's cadenza, a recitative where Mr. Ohlsson allowed the notes to resonate and the orchestra matched with a beautiful pianissimo. He tackled the finale with character and wit, and brought the audience of 616 to its feet.

        A vibrant reading of Schubert's Symphony No. 3 concluded. The orchestra played with brilliance, and Mr. McGegan inspired a wonderful lightness. Although they played all the notes, the performance lacked warmth and character.

        Some of the reason may be the acoustics: a basketball arena is a miserable place to listen to music. Rumor has it that the university is talking about a new concert hall. Too bad that won't happen in time for violinist Itzhak Perlman, who performs April 4. Information: (513) 529-3200.

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