Concert review: Stella Chen (violin) Brevard Music Center Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin

Conducted by the legendary Leonard Slatkin and joined by violinist Stella Chen, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra’s (BCMO) ability to attract world-class talent speaks volumes about the quality of the festival.

Cindy McTee’s opening work Double Play highlighted the percussion section but was performed exquisitely by all.

Stella Chen then opened the Barber Violin Concerto with great beauty, immediately demonstrating her command, and the orchestral strings responded with warmth. Chen’s first movement was strikingly powerful, her vibrato thoughtfully applied.

After a pensive orchestral introduction in the Andante, Chen entered with haunting poignancy. Her intonation and phrasing were consistently impressive and, while flawless rhythmic perfection between soloist and orchestra could not be expected at an outdoor venue, BMCO came close, with only a few hiccups when the orchestra beat Chen to the down-beat.

The Presto demonstrated not only Chen’s impressive control but also her evident enjoyment. Her encore (Por una cabeza, arranged by violinist Augustin Hadelich) was a delight – performed with the orchestra’s leader Stefani Matsuo – to charming effect.

Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony finished the programme in fine style. Also worth mentioning is the orchestra’s side-by-side model, in which professional string faculty players are paired with top Brevard Music Center students, with many top students also playing second wind parts – certainly an unforgettable experience for the students.

LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH