The overture by Gordon Getty...to the opera "Plump Jack" proved a scintillating concert opener, spiced with moods and flavors from Shakespeare's "Henry IV," wherein the rotund Sir John Falstaff shows up prominently.

Getty's understanding of this pre-eminent Shakespeare character is impressive and the music clearly prefigures the drama from the sack-drinking revels to the challenges of the battlefield. It was delightful to hear Getty's music. He's a talented composer and this piece made a zesty complement to the other works on program.