The Week in Reviews, Op. 523: Sergey Khachatryan, Midori, Hans Christian Aavik, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

October 28, 2025, 4:53 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. Click on the highlighted links to read the entire reviews.

Violinist Sergey Khachatryan.

Sergey Khachatryan performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony and David Afkham.

San Francisco Chronicle: "Khachatryan’s performance was neither cool nor dispassionately calculated. Whether he was firing off a volley of double-stops, making every note count in the concerto’s furious passagework or lofting harmonics in a tender, almost ethereal way, the soloist was in sensitive control of the work’s shifting terrain."

Midori and Hans Christian Aavik performed Arvo Pärt’s "Tabula Rasa" with the Estonian Festival Orchestra and Paavo Järvi at Carnegie Hall.

New York Times: "As one of the solo violinists, Midori had remarkable bow control for a pure, singing tone even when the music was at its most glassy and still. The other soloist, Aavik, performed with sheer energy in the first movement and entrancing calm in the second. Never forced and always thoughtful in his articulation, he is a natural Pärt interpreter."

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the New World Symphony and Stephane Deneve.

South Florida Classical Review: "From the first bars he played on the New World Center stage, Znaider offered artistry of the most rarified variety."

Geneva Lewis performed Korngold's Violin Concerto with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Gemma New.

San Diego Jewish World: "Violinist Geneva Lewis...played this challenging work with confidence and virtuosity. Lewis swayed and crouched as she stretched for the high reaches of the fingerboard where much of the music was written. Both soloist and conductor are New Zealand natives and their musical affinity seemed palpable."

Johan Dalene performed "Deux Sérénades" by Einojuhani Rautavaara with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Bach Track: "...this was violin playing at the highest level of expressivity, turning these relatively short pieces into a huge, escapist treat."

Adé Williams performed Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and Stilian Kirov.

Chicago Classical Review: "Williams drew a silvery, attractive tone from her c.1700 “Dancia” Rogeri instrument. In the lyrical sections her light, pure-toned playing was often lovely and ingratiating. The Larghetto came off best where Williams’ poised intimacy of expression suited the musing introspection of the music. "

Bomsori Kim performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and Jaap van Zweden at Carnegie Hall.

New York Classical Review: "In Mendelssohn’s concerto, Kim played with a lovely tone, a slicing, singing sound to start the piece in the upper register that alternate with a throaty quality when she bowed the G string."

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 523: Sergey Khachatryan, Midori, Hans Christian Aavik, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

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