“Two Prominent String Masters”
Siqing Lu & Li-Wei Qin
Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra · Conducted by Yang Yang
February 18, 2017 · Hangzhou Grand Theatre · Opera Hall
Overview
Titled “Two Prominent String Masters”, this concert brought together violinist Siqing Lu and cellist Li-Wei Qinwith the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Yang Yang.
Siqing Lu, the first Asian violinist to win the Paganini International Violin Competition, performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor with radiant tone and lyrical depth.
Li-Wei Qin, praised by The New York Times for his “ravishingly beautiful tone, flawless intonation, and ironclad technique,” gave a commanding performance of Barber’s Cello Concerto, a work noted for its emotional turbulence and virtuosic brilliance.
Their collaboration, both contrasting and complementary, showcased two of China’s leading string soloists at the height of their artistry — a dialogue of precision, intensity, and expressive freedom that illuminated the concert hall.
Program
Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)
Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Op.21
Felix Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op.64
Violin: Siqing Lu
— Intermission —
Samuel Barber (1910–1981)
Cello Concerto, Op.22
Cello: Li-Wei Qin
Artists
Siqing Lu • Piano
The first Asian violinist to win the Paganini International Violin Competition, performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor with radiant tone and lyrical depth.
Li-Wei Qin • Cello
Li-Wei Qin, praised by The New York Times for his “ravishingly beautiful tone, flawless intonation, and ironclad technique,” gave a commanding performance of Barber’s Cello Concerto, a work noted for its emotional turbulence and virtuosic brilliance.
Yang Yang · Conductor
Yang Yang, one of China’s foremost conductors, serves as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music and former assistant to maestro Yu Long, Yang is known for his refined technique and elegant orchestral shaping.
He has led all major Chinese orchestras — including the China Philharmonic, Shanghai Symphony, and Guangzhou Symphony — and is frequently invited to collaborate with world-renowned soloists and appear at international music festivals.