Lara St. John & Matt Herskowitz

Audience as a Critic - 2018-2019

AUDIENCE AS CRITIC – SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
THE VOLCANIC VIOLIN

LARA ST. JOHN, violin
MATT HERSKOWITZ, piano

Programme

Ludwig van Beethoven  
Violin Sonata No. 9 “Kreutzer”
Maurice Ravel
Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major
Matt Herskowitz
Nagilara
Serouj Kradjian
Sari Siroun Yar
Martin Kennedy 
Czardashian Rhapsody

Encore
O Canada!
Arranged St. John/Herskowitz

YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

Sabina Rzazade, piano

David L. McIntyre 
Transmissions

AUDIENCE COMMENTS

“JOYOUS COLLABORATION!”

Young Artist Sabina Rzazade – What a treat to be able to see her perform – amazing talent.  Beethoven’s Kreutzer – Wow, wow, wow!  I haven’t had such a visceral reaction to a violinist since I first screeched to a stop (in my ears) when hearing on the radio Victoria Mullova for the first time in the 80s.  So emotive and visceral.  Matt was also totally fantastic.  So happy to have heard and seen them.  Lara’s little smiles while playing were delightful. (MS)

Outstanding, energetic and passionate – certainly volcanic – violinist and pianist.  The hot lava flowed.  Both performers were totally “into the music.”  Beethoven must be dancing.  Ravel – beautiful, controlled and sensitive.  3rd movement – again athletic and exciting.  The “folk songs” showed the versatility, wonderful musicality and awesome feelings of both artists.

Matt’s composition and the rhapsody were beyond belief.  Encore – I have never heard a more exciting and imaginative version of “O Canada”. (VH)

Wonderful Lisztian Beethoven – powerful and powerfully thought through.  Eastern European arrangements to follow were evocative and virtuosic. Excellent concert! (ME)

From the drama and rigour of Beethoven to the beauty of Ravel to the electric, joyous 20th century works, this was a virtuosi concert with two virtuosi artists in total sync and joyous collaboration.  Their artistry and enthusiasm was infectious.  People all around me were saying “Isn’t this wonderful!”  Indeed it was! (DL)

The concert with Lara St-John and Matt Herskowitz on Saturday was simply amazing!  I enjoyed every second of it! (ML)

Outstanding.  Amazing talents.  Thank you. (Anonymous)

Outstanding! (BW)

Beautiful Music.  At times violin could have been louder in first half.  Nagilara – “Hava Nagila” on steroids.  Very talented and good chemistry. (DP)

Absolutely Awesome. (G)

Superb!!! (DW)

The opening of the Armenian piece was incredibly beautiful. (MT)

Really enjoyed it.  Loved the piano – felt the violin took over a bit.  Would have liked solo piano moments.  Very cute ending (encore). Hope more people attend in the future.  This is our first series and we are new and purchased the whole season! (LP)