Violin star Karen Gomyo joins the VSO with Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, September 29 and October 1
The Tokyo-born Canadian sensation will tackle a work that juxtaposes lyrical sensitivity with a breakneck final movement
The Barber concerto is one of the standouts in Karen Gomyo’s repertoire.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Brahms, Barber, & Diamond at the Orpheum on September 29 and October 1
TOKYO-BORN CANADIAN violin star Karen Gomyo has had a busy past few years, debuting at the New York, L.A., and Czech Philharmonics, just to name a few.
Along the way, she’s trailed enthusiastic reviews, critics calling her playing everything from textured and gorgeous to temperamental and extraordinary.
The Juilliard-trained Gomyo’s 2023-24 season continues the momentum, with engagements including debuts with the Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.
On her return to Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the end of September, Gomyo takes on one of the most dazzling pieces in her repertoire: Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, under the baton of guest conductor Gerard Schwarz. Written in 1939, it’s a virtuosic feat that demands lyrical sensitivity in its first two movements and then breakneck, breathless speed and rhythmic complexity in its final one.
For those who are as much attuned to fashion as classical music, it’s also always fun to see what the elegant Gomyo will wear: she has said in the past that she matches the colours of her gowns to the scores she plays.
Her performance is the big draw on an entire program of stunning strings, including American composer David Diamond’s vivid Symphony No. 4, and the dramatic finale of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.
For string fans, it's the musical equivalent of a full-course, gourmet meal.
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