It may take time for people to discover the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's new “Bach & Beyond” summertime series. But when word gets out, they are in for a pleasant surprise.

        On Tuesday, the CSO presented the second concert of its new chamber orchestra series in Corbett Auditorium at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

        Under the baton of its just-named distinguished artist Jaime Laredo, it was a happy collaboration in every respect, from the excellent program Mr. Laredo designed, to the refined music making by CSO musicians.

        With Joseph Kalichstein as soloist in Mozart's Piano Concerto in B-flat Major, the evening turned into something that was really quite special.

        Mr. Laredo opened with Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante, doubling as violin soloist with CSO players oboist Richard Johnson, cellist Daniel Culnan and bassoonist William Winstead.

        From the first notes, the CSO sounded radiant in this venue, one of the finest acoustical spaces in Cincinnati. It was a congenial reading; a fine moment came in the lyrical duos that opened the Andante movement.

        Mr. Laredo galvanized the ensemble as he conducted with his bow, while he injected character into his own phrases. His colleagues carried on a lively dialogue.

        Mr. Kalichstein and Mr. Laredo are better known as two-thirds of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio. So it was no surprise that their collaboration in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major, K. 595 should be of the highest artistic caliber.

        The pianist Mr. Kalichstein — who last appeared as soloist with the CSO in 1985 — has a pristine touch and plays with a wealth of imagination. His tempos were flexible — he pulled back in the minor-keyed areas; pushed ahead in the runs and flourishes — yet he always kept a sense of line.

        His first movement cadenza was masterfully shaped, and full of color and drama. He played with beauty and sensitivity in the lyrical slow movement.

        The dance-like finale was defined by humor, affection and sparkling runs. Mr. Kalichstein's final cadenza, a flourish of virtuosic arpeggios and keyboard-spanning runs, had such a feeling of spontaneity, it was as if he was inventing it on the spot.

        The conductor felt every note with the soloist, and showed attention to detail that is often glossed over in the tutti sections.

        Bizet's youthful Symphony No. 1 in C concluded the program. Parts of this early work anticipate the music of Carmen. Mr. Laredo managed to capture its youthful exuberance and also bring out the lyricism that defines Bizet's operatic writing.

        The opening was crisp, light and taut, and CSO musicians rose to the occasion with excellent playing. The second movement was enhanced by a stunning oboe solo by Christopher Philpotts, who played its arioso-like phrases with warmth and beautiful expression. One of the evening's most glorious moments came shortly after, when soaring violins were perfectly balanced against sustained winds and pizzicato strings, a moment almost operatic for its passion and color.

        A medium-sized audience was there to give it a stamp of approval. With music making like this, the last concert (June 19) should be a sell-out. Spread the word.

        Jaime Laredo conducts and Joseph Kalichstein performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the CSO at 8:30 p.m. today at Riverbend. Tickets: 381-3300.
       

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