#9 — Pre-Concert Chat: James Ehnes performs Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto for the TSO
In conversation with smART Magazine Editor, Michael Zarathus-Cook
Ahead of his appearance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, Canadian violinist James Ehnes joined smART Magazine to reflect on his approach to this piece.
Its staggering virtuoso demands were deemed “unplayable” when first composed—but Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto has gone on to become one of the best-known and best-loved in the repertoire. No one in the world plays it better than international Canadian star James Ehnes, “a violinist in a class of his own” (The Times). Imbued with the technicolour magic of master-orchestrator Maurice Ravel, Mussorgsky’s sonic gallery tour is one of music’s most unique and electrifying showpieces, and builds to an unforgettable, must-hear-live finale replete with blazing brass, crashing gongs, and pealing bells. — TSO
The TSO presents Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto + Pictures at an Exhibition from Wed, May 24–Sat, May 27 at Roy Thomson Hall.
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Symphonic pop maestro Cody Fry – behind viral hit song “I Hear A Symphony” – has released a compilation of his best symphonic tracks including “Eleanor Rigby”, “Photograph” and more. Symphonic (Decca Records US) is available now.
