Leah Hollingsworth hears the performance of Vivaldi, Bach, David Diamond and Avner Dorman at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, NY, US, on 8 April 2025
The thoughtful approach, clear articulation and fiery but refined passion of the Sejong Soloists brought precision and direction to Vivaldi’s Trio Sonata in D minor op.1 no.12 at Carnegie Hall. The ensemble did an admirable job of balancing the harpsichord, despite playing on modern instruments.
Bach’s much-loved Double Concerto continued the programme, featuring Gil Shaham and Adele Anthony. Shaham brought his famous warmth to the work, even if the intensity of vibrato from the pair in the Largo felt somewhat unstylistic. David Diamond’s Rounds was performed with tremendous artistry and rhythmic integrity, and the viola section was outstanding. Bach’s Air on a G String was equally noteworthy, confirming the quality of the Sejong Soloists. The ensemble was founded in 1994 at the Juilliard School, and is a mix of seasoned artists and younger members, the idea behind the name being that every member of the group is ‘good enough’ to be a soloist.
The world premiere of Avner Dorman’s double concerto, A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance, concluded the concert and it made a fine companion piece to the Bach Double Concerto. Shaham and Anthony brought great beauty and depth to it, with the former’s solo at the start of the heart-rending ‘Lamentful’ especially moving.
LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH
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