The Week in Reviews, Op. 237: Kyung-Wha Chung; James Ehnes; Gil Shaham

July 2, 2018, 5:13 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.

Kyung-Wha Chung performed in recital with pianist Kevin Kenner at the Frost Chopin Festival.

South Florida Classical Review: "...the 70-year-old violinist displayed rock-solid intonation, a smooth bow arm and the sizzling passion that had given her recordings of the Romantic concerto repertoire such excitement."

Kyung-Wha Chung.

James Ehnes performed Prokofiev Concerto No. 2 with the Mainly Mozart orchestra in San Diego.

Broadway World: "Ehnes's full tone captured its mood, and the same rich sound had an even greater impact on the second movement's main theme, one of the most warmly beautiful to be found in any modern concerto."

Gil Shaham performed the Tchaikovsky with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

The Straits Times: "His voluminous tone easily filled the hall, rising all the way up to the circle seats. This was matched by his natural virtuosity and barely contained enthusiasm, which quickly raised the temperature and spirit of the performance....One might be hard-pressed to remember a performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto that oozed such irresistible elan, and the audience responded with equally vociferous applause."

Steven Isserlis performed the Shostakovich Cello Concerto with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Financial Review: "
Such was the intensity of Mr Isserlis's performance, sawing at Shostakovich's paranoid lines as he threw his great grey mop of hair around like a classical Brian May, that when he let out an enormous "aargh!" one assumed he was merely giving voice to the musical assault. Turns out he had snapped his G string....Yet the music's abrasive spell was re-cast as soon as Mr Isserlis played his next note..."

In other news...

Zach De Pue announced his resignation as concertmaster of the Indianapolis Symphony after 11 years.

Indianapolis Star: "De Pue, 38, resigned after 11 years as the orchestra’s principal violinist and concert coordinator. No reason was given for his departure. 'It’s been an extraordinary honor to be part of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra,' De Pue said in the release. 'I am grateful to have shared the musical experience with countless audiences who appreciate how transformative music can be and how it enriches and enhances our lives. I’m looking forward to seeing where new journeys take me.'"

Please support music in your community by attending a concert or recital whenever you can!

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