The Week in Reviews, Op. 88: Sarah Chang, Gil Shaham, Joo Yeong Sir

June 30, 2015, 11:12 AM · 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.

Gil Shaham performed the Barber with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Even in high-energy passages, Shaham's playing is never rough, distorted or less than immaculately beautiful, and above this shines a benign musical generosity giving his playing majestic mastery."

Sarah Chang performed Bruch’s First Violin Concerto with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra.

Greenville News: "Chang...brought a robust sound and chiseled clarity to the concerto. The first movement was impassioned, the second delivered sweetly. Chang dashed off the famously lively third movement with brio."

Joo Yeong Sir performed the Tchaikovsky with the Hertfordshire Philharmonia.

The Herts Advertiser: "The former Purcell School student’s performance demonstrated exactly why she is earmarked by many as a rising star. Seductive and packed with rich tonality, it was a totally committed and delightful performance."

Joanna Frankel performed Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

IOL Tonight: "The first movement, an extended Nocturne, displayed the pure, full tone of her playing, as did the third movement, a Passacaglia, a theme and variations on an unvarying ground bass. The second movement, a fiercely agitated Scherzo, and the final wild Burlesque, provided ample evidence of her remarkable technical skills, and her remarkable stamina."

Satu Vanska performed the Bach with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Manly Daily: "Vanska’s performance brought out the melancholic elegance of the work while (Richard) Egarr’s hand gestures from the keyboard kept a subtle grip on the volume control."

In other news, noted film and television composer Danny Elfman is working on a violin concerto, which he hopes to have finished by spring.