Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos / Chen

Ray Chen - Violin, Swedish radio Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Harding - conductor

Gramphone Disc of the Month - June 2012
Following the critical success of Ray Chen’s solo album, Virtuoso, for which he received the prestigious 2011 German Echo Klassik Award, his new album, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn Violin Concertos, is the young violinist’s first concerto recording on the Sony Classical label. This release combines the Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn concertos, both of which have played a significant role in Ray’s career so far. His superb performance of these works led to his triumph at two major violin competitions – in 2008 he won the Yehudi Menuhin Competition performing the Mendelssohn Concerto, followed by the first prize in the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels a year later with the Tchaikovsky Concerto. Chen brings a fresh interpretation to these cornerstones of violin repertoire and finds a kindred spirit in conductor Daniel Harding and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra – a youthful performance that displays zest and energy. One of the most compelling young violinists today, Ray comments on the repertoire for his new album, “I chose these two concertos because I think I have something fresh to offer.”

Price: $19.98