Lan Shui and Bomsori
Featuring: Bomsori Kim
Instrument: Violin
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2024 7:30 PM
This was the first time I heard Nielsen’s Violin Concerto live, and also the first time I saw a female soloist perform this particular work in concert. Bomsori Kim brought a magnetic presence to the stage. It was inspiring to watch a soloist who was not only technically strong, but also so expressive and confident in the way she shaped the music.
Nielsen’s Violin Concerto isn’t as widely performed as other romantic concertos, but it is one of his most important instrumental works. It felt like a conversation between the violin and orchestra rather than a showpiece. The opening movement began without a long orchestral introduction, which surprised me. From her first note, Bomsori’s sound was firm and full of character. The music had so many contrasts; bold and bright in some places, then suddenly lyrical or questioning. She played every line with purpose, making the structure feel clear even when the harmonies felt unfamiliar.
In the second movement, I liked how she brought out the humour and spark in the music. There were passages with fast runs and tricky rhythms, and she handled them with such ease and poise.
After the intermission came Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, known as the “Titan”. I had listened to it before in recordings, but hearing it live gave me a new appreciation for its scale. The opening was quiet and mysterious, like a forest waking up at dawn. I loved how the themes slowly unfolded, and how the orchestra created such rich layers of sound. The third movement, which begins with the minor-key version of Frère Jacques, felt eerie and strange in the best way. The final movement exploded with energy, and by the end, the full brass section standing for the final climax gave me goosebumps.
Seeing a violinist like Bomsori lead with such poise, artistry and assurance reminded me of the kind of musician I hope to become. She was not only a soloist but also a storyteller and a role model, and her performance has inspired me to return to my own practice with renewed purpose.
