VCH presents Chamber: Leonidas Kavakos in Recital
Featuring: Leonidas Kavakos
Instrument: Violin
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2023 4:00 PM
When I found out that Leonidas Kavakos was performing in Singapore, I couldn’t wait. I’d seen clips of his masterclasses online, but hearing him live was something completely different.
The recital began with Ravel’s Sonata posthume. Kavakos’s sound was light but full of colour, and I loved how he shaped the long lines with so much control. In the softest moments, it felt like the whole hall was holding its breath. Next was Poulenc’s Violin Sonata — the music was more playful, but underneath it, there was a sadness that came through clearly in the second movement. Kavakos and his pianist were perfectly in sync, especially in the sudden mood changes.
With Yuto, my violin friend
After the intermission came Debussy’s Violin Sonata in G minor. The sound world here was very delicate and mysterious, and Kavakos played with a lot of subtle colours. His phrasing in the second movement stood out — it was like the violin was whispering and laughing at the same time.
The final work was Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major. This piece had everything — warmth, power, and a beautiful conversation between the violin and piano. I especially loved the third movement, where the melody returns in a new key. Kavakos made it feel both familiar and completely fresh.
As a violin student, this recital showed me that tone colour and phrasing can tell a story even without any words. It reminded me that music isn’t just about technique — it’s about listening deeply, and playing with honesty and imagination.
