Five Days in September: The Rebirth of an Orchestra

The only problem I have with this superb documentary from Barbara Willis Sweete is the subtitle itself. Why is called a rebirth when the Toronto Symphony Orchestra never died? Oh sure, David came on in a temporary role to replace Saraste on his departure but this to be hardly qualifies a call to morge. In any case, this examination of Peter Oundjian is a highly entertaining (honestly) look at just what goes in to launching a new music director in a major city and say what you will the TSO are a world class orchestra even if they are not in a world class city in the truest sense. With performances from musical cross-overs Emanuel Ax (who steals the show with his humble nature in a heartbeat), Yo-Yo Ma and the fabulous Rene Fleming this doc provides ample meat for the music lover, yet, it's soul and magic comes from Oundjian who is one of the most dynamic and personable Maestros ever to grace our home stage. Under the direction of Sweete, who has plenty of experience shooting this sort of thing, the end result is a study not to be missed.