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“They meshed together like the old friends they are, themes passing seamlessly,... blending perfectly.” — The Strad
The Beethoven Razumovsky Quartets
Grammy nominated pianist Reiko Uchida and London International String Quartet Competition and Primrose International Viola Competition winner, violist Che-Yen Chen, return for an evening of piano gems and viola chamber music.
“Reiko Uchida’s playing is refined and exquisite” — The New York Times
“[Chen has an] ability to find not just the subtle emotion, but the humanity hidden in the music.” — San Diego Union Tribune
Tchaikovsky - Rachmaninoff
“Ohnishi's brilliant artistry immerses the listener in the creative and emotional narratives Bach unfolds with incomparable mastery.” — Gramophone
Bach - Rameau - Forqueray
"If there is a melody that violinist Richard Lin can’t make sing, it wasn’t to be found in his Carnegie Hall debut Friday night.” — New York Classical Review
Tchaikovsky - Debussy - Franck
Tokyo-based Quartet Integra is quickly emerging as a group to watch after their emphatic win at the Bartók World Competition .— The Strad
Haydn - Webern - Schumann
Celebration Reception at 6:30 p.m.
“[James Ehnes] - A violinist in a class of his own.” — The Times
“Weiss has both powerful technique and exceptional insight” — The Washington Post
Beethoven - Mozart
Scriabin - Rachmaninoff
“Sparkling virtuosity and a willingness to astonish” — Süddeutsche Zeitung
Mozart - Beethoven
“Classical music doesn't get better than this.” —The New York Times
Schumann - Britten
Ana Vidovic produces so many moments of insight you often feel you are listening to the music for the first time.” — Classical Guitar Magazine
Bach - Giuliani - Castelnuovo-Tedesco
" One of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years.” — BBC Music Magazine
“[Pianist George Li] has “staggering technical prowess.. and depth of expression.” — The Washington Post
Mozart - Turina - Elgar
Comprised of three award winning musicians: Harpist Julie Smith Phillips, silver medalist of the USA International Harp Competition and principal harpist of the San Diego Symphony; Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, Demarre McGill, principal flutist of the Seattle Symphony; and first prize winner of the William Primrose Viola Competition and of the London International String Quartet Competition, violist Che-Yen Chen, The Myriad Trio returns with a wide ranging program.
“Superb.” — The Washington Post
“McGill, Chen and Phillips imbued [the Debussy Sonata] with sensuality and playfulness.” — San Diego Union Tribune
Steiger - Tchaikovsky
“emotional and pianistic pyrotechnics.” — Philadelphia Inquirer
Beethoven, Martinu, Saint-Saens
10/19/2023
Expert musicianship, razor-sharp ensemble, deep musical feeling…” — Chicago Tribune
Brahms - Faure
10/5/2023
"Refined and exquisite” — The New York Times
Haydn - Brahms - Schumann
9/27/2023
“Luminous!” —American Record Guide
Bach - Schubert - Saint-Saens
Grammy nominated pianist Reiko Uchida and London International String Quartet Competition and Primrose International Viola Competition winner, violist Che-Yen Chen return for an evening of piano gems and viola chamber music
“Reiko Uchida’s playing is refined and exquisite” — The New York Times
“[Chen has an] ability to find not just the subtle emotion, but the humanity hidden in the music." — San Diego Union Tribune
Highlights: Haydn - Bax: Sonata for viola and piano, Gp. 251
Dubbed “A Knockout…” by the New York Times, Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipient, Van Cliburn Silver Medalist and Grammy nominated pianist, Joyce Yang, returns with Rachmaninoff Preludes, Vol. II, (Op. 32)
“But it was Joyce Yang … who delivered the stunning level of excitement everyone experienced with her performance of the Rachmaninoff…[bringing] forth from the San Francisco audience as visceral and sustained a standing ovation as I've heard in response to a concerto. And it was deserved.” —Berkshire Review for the Arts
“Her attention to detail and clarity is as impressive as her agility, balance and velocity. ” —Washington Post
Highlights: Rachmaninoff: Preludes, Op. 32
Since his gold medal win at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Haochen Zhang has captivated audiences in the United States, Europe, and Asia with a unique combination of deep musical sensitivity, fearless imagination, and spectacular virtuosity.
“Such a combination of enchanting, sensitive lyricism and hypnotizing forcefulness is a phenomenon encountered very rarely.” -- The Jerusalem Post
Back by popular demand, the Modigliani Quartet is recognized as one of today’s most sought-after quartets, featuring regularly in prominent international series and on the world’s most prestigious stages. Prize-winning pianist Fabio Bidini joins. (“…admirable simplicity…truly touching.” -- New York Times)
“One of today’s best quartets in the world...Balance, transparency, symphonic comprehension, confident style, their performance reached an inspiring level ” —Süddeutsche Zeitung
Highlights: Mozart - Beethoven - Brahms
The beautiful sounds of the San Diego Symphony Principal Winds have enhanced the ECHO Chamber Music Series over the years. They return with multiple combinations of instruments in a program featuring Mozart’s E-flat Major Serenade for wind octet.
“Symphony patrons are well acquainted with the mellifluous, agile playing of principal clarinetist Sheryl Renk, the sweet sound of principal oboist Sarah Skuster, and the deft, expressive tone of Andrea Overturf on the English horn...” —San Diego Union Tribune
Highlights: Mozart: Serenade in E-flat, K. 375 - Beethoven: Variations on Mozart’s “La ci darem la mano”
Comprised of three award winning musicians: Harpist Julie Smith Phillips, silver medalist of the USA International Harp Competition and principal harpist of the San Diego Symphony; Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, Demarre McGill, principal flutist of the Seattle Symphony; and first prize winner of the William Primrose Viola Competition and of the London International String Quartet Competition, violist Che-Yen Chen, The Myriad Trio returns with a wide ranging program.
“McGill, Chen and Phillips imbued [the Debussy Sonata] with sensuality and playfulness.” — San Diego Union Tribune
Highlights: Bruce: The Eye of Night - Andres: Precise Sentiments - Debussy: Sonate - Gershwin: Preludes
Orion Weiss, one of the most sought-after soloists and chamber music collaborators of his generation, and a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times), dazzles audiences with his passionate, lush sound. He joins Reiko Uchida for a continuation of their exploration of Mozart Music for Piano Four Hands.
“One of the finest recordings of Schubert lieder you will find” (Meglioranza, Uchida) — The Berkshire Review
“Weiss has both powerful technique and exceptional insight” — The Washington Post
Highlights: Mozart Piano Four Hands Vol. II
The first American in four decades and youngest musician ever to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, Zlatomir Fung is poised to become one of the preeminent cellists of our time.
Benjamin Hochman enjoys an international performing career, appearing as soloist with the New York, Los Angeles, and Prague Philharmonic Orchestras, and the Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestras.
“Classical music doesn't get better than this.” [Benjamin Hochman] — The New York Times
“The cellist showed a mastery of his instrument that was truly a thing to behold....” — Benicia Herald
Highlights: Shaporin - Sokolov - Glazunov
Grammy nominated pianist Reiko Uchida makes several return appearances at ECHO this season! She is joined by violinist Ayano Ninomiya, winner of numerous prizes and praised for her "deeply communicative and engrossing performances" (The New York Times), and by cellist Raman Ramakrishnan, who has enjoyed an illustrious worldwide career as founder of the Daedalus quartet and a member of the Horszowski Trio.
“Reiko Uchida’s playing is refined and exquisite.” — The New York Times
"The audience whooped with delight at [Ninomiya's] feats of virtuosity but also listened attentively to the quiet authoritative musicianship at the core of everything she did." —The Boston Globe
Brahms: Cello Sonata Op. 38 - Piano Trio No. 1 - Clara Schumann: 3 Romances for violin and piano
ECHO patrons will recognize Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and Naumberg International Competition Winner, cellist Clancy Newman, who has been featured on A&E, PBS and often on NPR’s “Performance Today”. Avery Fisher Career Grant, and Musical Fund Society Career Advancement Award recipient, Natalie Zhu joins him again for an extraordinary program of American works, including three of Newman’s own.
“Newman seems to be in a class of his own...” -- The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Natalie Zhu’s recital was a display of emotional and pianistic pyrotechnics” -- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Highlights: An American Program: Barber - Newman - Foss - Bunch
Since winning the Cello First Prize and Gold Medal at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011 at the age of 22, Narek Hakhnazaryan has inspired audiences with his artistry, securing a reputation as one of the world’s foremost cellists.
“Nothing short of magnificent!” — San Francisco Chronicle
“Mr. Hakhnazaryan’s intense focus and expressive artistry never flagged.” —The New York Times
Highlights: Mendelssohn: Cello Sonata No. 2 - Tchaikovsky: Nocturne - Schumann: Adagio and Allegro
Praised by The Washington Post for combining “staggering technical prowess, a sense of command, and depth of expression,” pianist George Li has established a major international reputation since winning the Silver Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition
“Ruler-straight perfection of pulse, limitless velocity, gleaming clarity, a broad palette of colors....” — The Boston Music Intelligencer
Highlights: Schumann: Davidsbündlertänze - Ravel Valses Nobles et Sentimental
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Described as “Masterful [with] vitality and impressively differentiated articulation.” (Classics Today) harpsichordist Takae Ohnishi has performed as soloist with such ensembles as the Berlin Philharmonic Scharoun Ensemble, and the Gardner Chamber Orchestra. Bridge Records released her latest album Goldberg Variations to critical acclaim. She is joined by members of the San Diego Symphony.
“Ohnishi's brilliant artistry immerses the listener in the creative and emotional narratives Bach unfolds with incomparable mastery.” --- Gramophone
Highlights: Bach: Cello Sonata - Vivaldi: La Folia - Rameau: Pieces for Harpsichord
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Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, the GRAMMY® nominated Dover Quartet has followed a “practically meteoric” (Strings) trajectory to become one of the most in-demand chamber ensembles in the world.
“Few young American ensembles are as exciting and accomplished as the Dover Quartet” — The New Yorker
Haydn: Emperor Quartet - Amy Beach: Quartet, Op. 89 - Mendelssohn: Quartet Op. 44, No. 3
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Andrea Overturf’s “… rich, vibrant sound took on a life of its own, seeming to become part of the very air around listeners. “ — San Diego Union-Tribune
