The Week in Reviews, Op. 256: Sirena Huang; Bella Hristova; Joanna Frankel

January 29, 2019, 4:06 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.

Sirena Huang. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

Sirena Huang performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

The Virginia Gazette: "With Huang...her delivery was magical, ethereal and exciting. She displayed a powerhouse command of the instrument and the score, delivering it with virtuoso flair, gusto, intense sensitivity, serenity, drama and confidence. It sizzled with excitement, made more so by Wilkins who maintained a perfect balance between soloist and orchestra and allowed the music and Huang’s brilliance to flow."

Bella Hristova performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Naples Philharmonic (filling in for Nikolaj Znaider.)

Naples Daily News: "She was lightning personified, flying through its rolls on the first and final movement and turning its tough cadenza into butter with clear, precise fingering and smart dynamics."

Joanna Frankel performed the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

The Columbus Dispatch: "Frankel’s entrance was assured, and as the first movement, Allegro non troppo, progressed, Frankel’s impressive passagework remained in the service of Beethoven’s grander musical ideas. Frankel’s lines near the beginning of the development section were lovely and lyrical. The cadenza, which Frankel herself composed, was as seamless in its execution as it was packed with virtuosic delights that flowed forth effortlessly."

Andrew Long performed the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Airedale Symphony Orchestra.

Ilkley Gazette: "Long’s soaring lyricism and lightness of touch were the hallmarks of a fine performance. The serene Larghetto movement was notable for Long’s beautiful arching phrases with delicacate muted strings and woodwind accompaniment."

Brett Deubner performed the premiere of Robert W. Butts's new Viola Concerto with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.

Violinist.com: "Butts made sure to call upon the full tonal and color range of the viola, which translated into Deubner's fingers moving across the entire expanse of the fingerboard."

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