Akiko Suwanai and Kahchun Wong – Dvořák and Elgar
Featuring: Akiko Suwanai
Instrument: Violin
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Date: Sat, 05 Apr 2025 7:30 PM
This concert brought together a world-class violinist and a conductor I’ve long admired. Watching Akiko Suwanai perform Dvořák’s Violin Concerto in A minor was unforgettable. Her tone was warm, clear, and deeply expressive, and she made even the most challenging passages sound effortless. In the first movement, she shaped the lyrical lines with such poise, and the cadenza felt less like a display and more like a private reflection. The second movement was tender and lyrical, and in the final movement, her playing had a joyful, dance-like character that brought Dvořák’s folk-inspired writing to life.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Kahchun Wong, was equally brilliant. His energy on the podium was focused and expressive, and the orchestra responded to him with unity and colour.
Capturing the legendary Akiko Suwanai on stage!
So glad I got to listen to her in person
The evening began with Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, which were light-hearted and full of character. The orchestra captured the cheeky humour and rhythmic bounce of the music, especially in the third and fourth dances.
After the intermission came Elgar’s Enigma Variations, one of my favourite orchestral works. Maestro Kahchun Wong shaped each variation with thought and care, and I loved how each one felt like a musical portrait. The Nimrod variation was especially moving. The pacing, phrasing, and quiet intensity of the strings gave it an emotional weight that stayed with me long after the music faded.
This concert reminded me how powerful interpretation can be when both the soloist and conductor approach the music with insight and heart. After the concert, I stayed back and managed to get Maestro Wong’s autograph.
SSO on stage
Bumped into my friend, Rebecca, also from the SNYS!
I left the hall feeling inspired by Akiko Suwanai’s musicianship, and proud to see a Singaporean conductor like maestro Wong leading with such vision.
