Lasting Impressions by T. Stephen Wager
Isabel Chen Dazzles in Young Person’s Competition Debut
Fenimore Chamber Orchestra presented its fourth concert of the season and with beautiful circumstances. Under their auspices, Isabel Chen was presented as the historic first laureate of the national Young Persons’ Concerto Competition. According to “The Freeman’s Journal,” out of 22 entrants from nine states, Chen was the clear winner for her ability and artistry.
On Saturday afternoon, March 15, she performed Mozart’s Concerto for Orchestra and Violin No. 3 in G major, K. 216. What can one say when presented with someone so possessed of true talent and superb technique for one so young?
She is currently a student at the world-famous Eastman School of Music. Her allegros had a brilliant and propulsive gait that brought sparkle to the music, but never for merely technical bravado. The second movement adagio was the real test. This is a moment in Mozart’s music that is so transcending it can easily confound any true artist. Chen was certainly up to the challenge. Dense, yet fleet, tone was exactly what is needed at this moment.
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