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Yura Lee Named Principal Violist of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

May 19, 2022, 9:38 PM · The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has appointed Yura Lee its new Principal Violist, announced Music Director Jaime Martín and Executive Director Ben Cadwallader on Thursday.

“The depth, breadth, versatility and sensitivity of Yura Lee’s artistry, the purity of her tone, her collaborative spirit, and exceptional leadership will contribute greatly to the Orchestra’s distinctive sound and character,” said Martín. “LACO’s artists are celebrated for their musical virtuosity and individuality, qualities Yura notably embodies as well.”

Lee, who divides her time between Los Angeles and Portland, begins her new post in the 2022-23 season. The Principal Viola chair at LACO has been vacant since December 2021. The musician who previously served as LACO's principal viola was Erik Rynearson. Keep reading...

For the Record, Op. 198: Cellist Alisa Weilerstein; works by Margaret Brouwer; Soli Chamber Ensemble

Laurie Niles

May 19, 2022, 1:44 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Beethoven Cello Sonatas
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
Inon Barnatan, piano

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and her longtime recital partner, pianist Inon Barnatan, have recorded Beethoven’s complete Cello Sonatas, works that have been a staple of the duo’s repertoire since they began performing together in 2008. Composed over a span of nearly twenty years, Beethoven’s five cello sonatas provide a fascinating snapshot of the composer’s stylistic development. "Diving into the formidable project of recording these touchstone works with Inon, especially at such a fragile, chaotic time, was an immensely rewarding experience," Weilerstein said. "I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to go on this unique adventure with such a wonderful partner and friend, and I invite you to join us in our celebration of this profoundly moving music." BELOW: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brio

Keep reading...

Bach, Beyond the Concert Hall

Katie Lansdale

May 18, 2022, 1:05 PM · * This article was co-written by Marika Basagoitia.

Bach titled 30 of his works "Inventions," but the word also describes his mind. Similarly, during the pandemic, the participants at my Bach workshops took the idea of "inventiveness" to a new level. Working within the limitations of Covid times, they conceived of a startling array of new performance ideas, drawing on ideals, enterprise and sheer flights of fancy. While we all look forward to safer times in concert halls with live audiences, perhaps there has been a silver lining to these pandemic conditions. Like the bright stretto entrances in Bach’s fugues, new ways to share music have been constantly popping up. I wanted to share some of those ideas, which I think will remain inspiring beyond the scope of "pandemic performances."

But first let's talk about Bach, whose incredible creativity and productivity served as our inspiration. J.S. Bach’s musical activities were as numerous as they were diverse. His innovative, restless mind was constantly inventing. Keep reading...

The Week in Reviews, Op. 353: Rachel Barton Pine; Pinchas Zukerman subs for Itzhak Perlman; Daniel Hope & Paul Neubauer

Laurie Niles

May 17, 2022, 12:51 PM · In an effort to promote the coverage of live violin performance, Violinist.com each week presents links to reviews of notable concerts and recitals around the world.

Rachel Barton Pine performed Joseph Bologne's Violin Concerto in A Major with Apollo’s Fire.

Chicago Classical Review: "Barton Pine, playing an unmodernized violin from 1770, was masterful in this feat of endurance and finesse."

Pinchas Zukerman performed as soloist and conductor with the Houston Symphony, subbing for Itzhak Perlman who canceled after testing positive for COVID.

Houston Chronicle Preview: "Zukerman proved a meticulous, attentive conductor, tracing dynamic arcs with his left hand while consistently stoking the music’s torrid emotions."

* Wishing Mr. Perlman well! Keep reading...