Hilary Hahn and the New Jersey Symphony give admirable performance of Sibelius Violin Concerto

Feb 1, 2023

Music Director Xian Zhang’s absence didn’t stop the New Jersey Symphony from delivering in front of a packed Prudential Hall as Adam Glaser stepped in to lead the orchestra through a dazzling performance of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto alongside world-renowned violinist Hilary Hahn at NJPAC. NJArts.com gave props to Glaser for stepping in on short notice and for leading the highly anticipated collaboration with Hahn.

The less-is-more philosophy stuck with Glaser ... He set down the delicately sustained pianissimo of the strings in the allegro moderato with a light hand and followed with solid, clean phrasing and articulation. The orchestra’s secondary role allowed Hahn to embark on clear, intelligible musical language with grace and eloquence. The expanded cadenza — the work’s most thrilling passage — grew beautifully with big vibrant tones right through to the breathtaking coda. Hahn’s lyrical, luminous and penetrating tonal vocabulary was full of intelligence and substance.

Courtney Smith of NJArts.net

» Read the full review from NJArts.net