REVIEW

This has happened before - a Colorado Symphony soloist (usually a pianist) is indisposed and a substitute steps in to save the day. In fact, it goes on everywhere in the concert world.

Each time, it's a special occasion. Heroism will always capture a public's fancy. But this weekend's concerts in Boettcher Hall carry an extra helping of drama.

These CSO concerts were supposed to be a coming-together of past and present music directors, a pairing that had the potential for a fun and spectacular night of music-making. But the sudden onset of extreme hypertension forced Jeffrey Kahane to call off his much-anticipated collaboration with Marin Alsop.

Instead, much to the delight of an electrified Friday night crowd, a hero stepped in to save the day:

Renowned pianist Christopher O'Riley, a familiar face at Boettcher, filled in for Kahane (a world-class pianist himself).

It was old-home week.

O'Riley and Alsop have worked together with the CSO on several occasions. In fact, the O'Riley- Kahane connection is also strong: Both were finalists at the 1981 Cliburn Competition, and both will share the Boettcher stage next month, pending -Kahane's recovery.

The chemistry was in place, then. And what a terrific night of music it was. O'Riley stormed through the treacherous passages of Brahms' mighty D-minor Concerto, and then purred like a kitten in the work's glorious slow movement.

Alsop energized the orchestra, drawing out a lush and vibrant accompaniment.

It all added up to something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Yes, Kahane was missed. But with O'Riley on hand, the power of Brahms and the special kinship of the assembled musicians was as palpable as if the CSO's music director had been present.

Earlier, Alsop brought a superior level of musicianship to Dvorak's unjustly neglected Symphony No. 6. Tempos and balances were ideal, and the orchestra played with a cohesiveness and spirit that only added to the pleasures of the Dvorak. As in the Brahms, the serene slow movement made time stand still. And the Scherzo simply rocked.

To open this memorable evening, Alsop introduced a protegé, Rei Hotoda (winner of Alsop's inspiring Taki Concordia Fellowship), who brought a confident, clean beat and a solid rhythmic sense to a pair of Brahms Hungarian Dances.

Colorado Symphony

• Grade: A

• When and where: Repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Boettcher Hall, 14th and Curtis streets

• Cost: $15 to $67.50

• Information: 303-623-7876

Marc Shulgold is the music and dance writer. Shulgoldm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5296