BRUCH: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Toward the Unknown Region
Ray Chen (violin)
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Andrew Davis
A violinists' favourite throughout the 150 years since its premiere, Bruch's Violin Concerto seems custom-made for the Taiwan-born virtuoso Ray Chen. Brought up in Australia and schooled in the US, Chen exemplifies a new generation of classical soloists who reach their audiences by traditional mastery of their instrument and sell-out concerts in both established and new venues, as well as through prolific use of online tools. Chen has a huge following on social media and SoundCloud, writes a blog for a leading Italian daily and has the likes of Armani dress him for the stage.
Toward the Unknown Region was the earliest critical and popular success for Vaughan Williams. Inspired by the freedom-loving poetry of Walt Whitman, the work has lost none of its visionary appeal in the century that has elapsed since its premiere.
BBC Radio 3s Andrew McGregor is joined by by Australian conductor Kelly Lovelady, the artistic director of the Ruthless Jabiru ensemble.
(Photo: Violinist Ray Chen makes his BBC Proms debut with Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Credit: Chris Christodoulou) Show less