The Week in Reviews, Op. 443: William Hagen, Ray Chen, A Far Cry

April 2, 2024, 3:29 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.

Violinist William Hagen. Photo by Matt Clayton.

William Hagen performed Dvorák’s Violin Concerto the Utah Symphony and Anna Rakitina.

Utah Arts Review: (filling in for an ailing Sirena Huang,) "He was in full command of the music, playing with robust decisiveness in the dynamic outer movements and lyrical beauty in the middle movement. And together with this weekend’s guest conductor, Anna Rakitina, he made the most of the romantic essence that flows throughout the concerto"

Ray Chen performed in recital with pianist Julio Elizalde at Walt Disney Concert Hal.

Violinist.com: "Performing with longtime musical partner Julio Elizalde, Chen played works by Bach, Beethoven, Tartini, Bazzini, Dvorak and even a special arrangement of Chick Corea's 'Spain' - as well as an assortment of post-program "dessert" pieces. The pair played three encores, to the delight of the crowd, which was left applauding for even more."

A Far Cry musicians performed on 17th and 18th century instruments from northern Italy in a program called "Stradivari Serenade" in NEC's Jordan Hall.

Boston Musical Intelligencer: "the concert was interspersed with commentary, questioning and dialogue involving Reuning and the Criers....Collectively, they rewarded the audience with a charming and illustrative range of music."

Alena Baeva performed Stravinsky’s violin concerto with the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Pavvo Järvi.

South China Morning Post : "Moscow-born soloist Alena Baeva impressed with her depth of tone and articulation that carried right up to the concert hall’s rafters...Baeva’s commanding technique was on full show in the Capriccio finale, where her strong and savvy up-bow spiccato was particularly awe-inspiring."

Mark Fewer performed in a concert called "Violinissimo II" with the Esprit Orchestra and Alex Pauk.

My Scena: "Fewer’s playing was truly virtuosic, and elicited a very warm reception from the audience."

Emily Sun performed Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Arts Hub: "With Sun playing alongside guest conductor Shiyeon Sung, this was a vigorous and accomplished reading that still embodied the emotional core of the music. "

Robert Chen and oboist William Welter performed Bach’s Concerto for Oboe and Violin with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Chicago Classical Review: "Concertmaster Robert Chen served as “leader” and soloist in an evening of elevated performances of Bach-family music that underscored the ability of elite ensembles to handle their own musical affairs in certain repertoire."

Beatrice Hsieh performed Wynton Marsalis’ A Fiddler’s Tale with the New World Symphony.

South Florida Classical Review: "Marsalis’ writing for the protagonist merges country style fiddling and the blues. New World fellow Beatrice Hsieh played with bravura exactness, cascading slides and rich vibrato. She is clearly an outstanding musician who deserved better material to display her considerable dexterity."

Michael Wu performed Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with the Frost Symphony Orchestra and Gerard Schwarz.

South Florida Classical Review: "Wu immediately displayed his precise style in the soaring theme that opens the first movement. His lean, compact tone avoided sentimental excess but the Allegro proceeded at a low boil, and was wanting greater ardor."

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 443: William Hagen, Ray Chen, A Far Cry

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