Renowned violinist Sarah Chang returned to be a guest with the Fresno Philharmonic at the William Saroyan Theater on Jan. 24 and 25.
Chang’s appearance assisted in celebrating the Fresno Philharmonic’s 60th year of entertaining the Central Valley.
The performance began with the orchestra playing Leo Janáček’s rhapsody “Taras Bulba.”
The musicians of the orchestra were beautifully in tune with one another as they made the music dance effortlessly throughout the theater.
After this, Chang joined the company to play Max Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op 26.”
Her performance lasted 24 minutes, but those minutes went by in the blink of an eye. Her enthusiasm for music, as well as her powerful stage presence, made it easy to get lost in every note.
During the pre-concert lecture, given by Dr. Benjamin Boone, it was said that Chang attended Juilliard at the age of 6.
Juilliard is widely-esteemed as one of the best music schools in the world, holding some of the most prestigious arts programs ever seen.
According to the Juilliard webpage, only 8 percent of applicants are accepted.
The piece that she played with the Philharmonic was the piece that she used to audition for Juilliard, according to Boone.
Chang made her performance much more than a simple representation of notes.
She moved in tune with the music as she played and seemed to get herself lost in the moment. Her joy translated into her playing as every note rang through the theater in triumph.
After intermission, the Philharmonic played without Chang, but managed to keep the audience just as captivated as Chang had.
Playing Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations, Op. 36,” the musicians emulated Chang’s enthusiasm and made the music resonate within the audience.
This experience was both stunning and humbling.
Seeing such a talented group of individuals come together to create such art is a rare treat and one that should not be squandered.
Upcoming events for the Fresno Philharmonic include “Cirque de la Symphonie,” a blend of acrobatics and symphony music, on Feb. 15, and Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” on March 9.
“Beethoven’s Symphonies 7 and 8: East Meets West” on April 4, 5, and 6, will feature a performance of a concerto for the pip, a Chinese lute instrument.
The Philharmonic will end with “Side-by-Side: A Celebration of Youth” on May 4.
For more information on the Fresno Philharmonic and its upcoming program, contact the box office at 261-0600.