Camerata Virtuosi New Jersey presents “Dream High” Discovery Series II in Review
Camerata Virtuosi New Jersey presents “Dream High” Discovery Series II Orchestra of Camerata Virtuosi; Byung-Hyun Rhee, music director and conductor Special Guest: Quartet PIRI Merkin Concert Hall. Kaufman Center; New York, NY June 22, 2014
In a program entitled “Dream High,” the Camerata Virtuosi New Jersey presented four young soloists in selections of works by Mozart, Haydn, and Accolay. As preludes to each half, the Camerata and special guest Quartet PIRI, a clarinet quartet, contributed their own selections in addition.
Opening with a spirited reading of the Allegro of Mozart’s Divertimento in D major, K. 136, the Camerata Virtuosi got the night off to a good start. The playing was precise and well articulated, with balance that was excellent throughout. These qualities would serve well in the subsequent works.
Nine-year-old violinist Katelyn Moon (yes, nine-year-old!) took to the stage. It appeared that she was using a three-quarter-size violin. She played the Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor (written in 1868), by Jean- Baptiste Accolay (1833-1900). A one-movement work commonly referred to as a “student concerto,” it is a showpiece without extreme technical demands. Before one gets the impression that this piece is not worthy of performance, let one be reminded that many famous violinists have played it long after their student days were over, most notably Itzhak Perlman. One is naturally hesitant to pass judgment on such a young player, but certainly one can say that Ms. Moon is remarkable for her age; she tackled the work without difficulties and projected well in a steady performance. I should like to hear her again in three or four years playing a more challenging work, with a full-sized instrument.
Ann Jinee Youn followed with the Allegro spiritoso of Haydn’s Concerto for Oboe in C major, Hob. VIIg:C1, the only concerto Haydn composed for the oboe. Ms. Youn played with confidence, nimbly navigating the demanding passagework, and with a rich tone and solid intonation. Not only were the technical demands met, but subtler aspects of artistry are clearly emerging. Ms. Youn has a musicality beyond her years, and it was a most enjoyable performance.
Conductor Byung-Hyun Rhee was effective as a conductor and very attentive to the needs of his young soloists. From the basics, such as occasionally instructing when to bow (something easily forgotten by a nervous young performer), to the more critical points, keeping the orchestra in balance and synch with the soloists, he was an ideal collaborator.
After intermission, Quartet PIRI offered selections of Bizet, Piazzolla, and Luis Bonfa (1922-2001). Led by the personable Hana Kim, this clarinet quartet displayed style, commitment, and charm. Highlights were Piazzolla’s Oblivion, and the Manha do Carnaval from Bonfa, which got the audience into the act with finger snaps, as prompted by Mr. Kim.
The final soloist of the evening, Heesoo Yim, had the honor of playing the entire Concerto for Flute in G Major, K. 313 by Mozart. Ms. Yim is a complete player, combining technical facility, careful attention to matters of musicality, and clear projection. Her playing has a light, butterfly-like touch in the rapid passages, but without any of the “breathiness” of tone that so many young players have. Her playing in the Adagio was expressive without being affected, avoiding another pitfall of many lesser players. The Rondo was just the finishing touch on a top-notch performance. Ms. Yim was rewarded with an enthusiastic ovation from the audience.
These young performers should all have bright futures and I look forward to following their progress.
