The Week in Reviews, Op. 15: David Garrett, Hilary Hahn, Itzhak Perlman in concert

Written by Robert Niles
Published: January 21, 2014 at 9:50 PM [UTC]

Alina Ming Kobialka performed the Mendelssohn with the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

• Las Vegas Review-Journal: "…the evening’s guest artist, violinist Alina Ming Kobialka, gave a clinic in technique that left the large Reynolds Hall audience wildly enthusiastic and calling for more."

Itzhak Perlman performed the Beethoven with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

• Arizona Daily Star: "...it was how he performed Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D major that was so breathtaking. He made it seem so effortless. His hands moved with the fluidity of a ballet dancer in a graceful pirouette."

Hilary Hahn performed two Mozart concertos with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

• ConcertoNet: "Ms. Hahn handled it all with total aplomb, rendering the work not just beautiful but worthy of serious contemplation as well."

Sarah Kwak performed the Wieniawski's Second Violin Concerto with the Oregon Symphony.

• The Oregonian: "Kwak tore it up in a performance as dazzling as any recent star guest soloist."

David Garrett performed in concert in Dallas.

• TheaterJones: "Underneath the glitz, Garrett is an amazing violinist with a mastery of technique that puts him on a level with any violinist touring today. Yet even here, on so basic a level, he is the consummate showman." And we couldn't help but notice this from the comments section after the review: "This review got many basic facts wrong: First, Garrett never gave up his classical career. Actually two thirds of his concerts every year is classical; Second, he never uses electric violin. I suggest you read his interview with violinist.com to get a better understanding of his career and perspective." (!)

Diana Cohen performed the Barber with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Calgary Herald: "Cohen executed her solo part with great élan, her playing effortless and filled with generous tone and refinement."

Nancy Zhou performed the Dvorák with the San Antonio Symphony.

• San Antonio Express-News: "The star musician of the night was San Antonio's own, violin soloist Nancy Zhou, 20, now based in Boston as a student and international performing artist."