The Week in Reviews, Op. 241: Benjamin Beilman; Leila Josefowicz; Julian Rachlin

October 9, 2018, 2:55 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.

Benjamin Beilman performed Jennifer Higdon's Violin Concerto with the Berkeley Symphony.

San Francisco Chronicle Datebook: "At every juncture, he brought a blend of interpretive subtlety and technical boldness — qualities that reappeared in his encore, a potent account of the Largo from Bach’s C-Major Violin Sonata."
San Francisco Classical Voice: "Beilman’s musicality was breathtaking, athletic, and assured, while his demeanor seemed unassuming and humble. "

Benjamin Beilman.

Leila Josefowicz performed the Stravinsky Violin Concerto with the New York Philharmonic.

New York Classical Review: "Soloist Leila Josefowicz had complete command over all these technical challenges, so much so that she brought out a broader and deeper musical expression than one is used to hearing in the work. " (Josefowicz also was awarded the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize of $100,000 at this concert.)

Julian Rachlin and violist Sarah McElravy performed Penderecki’s Concerto Doppio for Violin, Viola and Orchestra (the "Rachlin Double") and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

The Northern Echo: "Leading from the violin, Rachlin opened a joyous account (of the Mozart), before being joined by McElravy in a dialogue full of vigour and energy. The achingly beautiful slow movement was eloquently conveyed, with the soloists warmly enveloped by the orchestra."

Arnaud Sussmann performed the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Santa Rosa Symphony.

San Francisco Classical Voice: "His tone is gorgeous, and he projects well, soaring high above the orchestra with ease. His many other virtues are self-evident: perfect intonation, ramrod-straight bowing, tremendous dynamic range, and blistering speed."

Ilya Gringolts performed Paganini Concerto No. 1 with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The West Australian: "Paganini, the 19th-century all-time great, allegedly broke strings to show off his versatility but Gringolts had no such need, his virtuosic style simple, agile and understated. ACO members looked on in frank admiration during the cadenza to the first movement, an elastic and scintillating homage to the composer that drew those whoops and frantic applause."

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