Looking Back, Moving Forward: Blossom
Featuring: Zhou Qian
Instrument: Violin
Venue: YST Concert Hall
Date: Sun, 11 March 2023, 7.30PM
This concert was like no other I had attended before — not only because of the incredible music, but because it was such a celebration of people who had grown through music and were now giving back to it. It was titled Blossom, and I think that word really captured the spirit of the evening: roots, growth, and beauty. I attended it with my mum, and although there was no official “theme” to the pieces, everything felt connected in a deep, quiet way.
The concert opened with Schubert’s Violin Sonata in A major, D. 574 played by Xu Jueyi and Ge Xiaozhe. The Allegro moderato was light and lyrical — exactly how I imagine Schubert would want it to sound. Xu’s playing had a lovely singing tone, especially in the long slurs, and the balance between violin and piano was elegant. It felt like they were gently inviting us into the rest of the evening.
Another standout was Eugène Ysaÿe’s Sonata for Two Violins, performed by Ye Lin and Zhao Tian. The piece begins slowly and grandly, and I loved how they passed the melodies between each other like a conversation. When the Allegro fermo began, it was bold and powerful. I found myself leaning forward just to catch every phrase. Their synchronisation was tight, and the blend of tone colours between the two violins was something I rarely hear live.
After the intermission came a moment I had really been looking forward to — Prof. Qian Zhou playing the Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor. As someone studying Bach myself, hearing her perform it in person was unforgettable. She played it with incredible clarity and gravity, but it wasn’t just serious — there were also moments of lightness and grace, especially in the major-key section. She made every voice line clear, and her phrasing made me feel like the piece was speaking directly to the audience.
Then came something unexpected — Aleksey Igudesman’s La Cucaracha and Rumba de Mumbai, performed by Yang Shuxiang and Loh Junhong. These pieces were fun, flashy, and full of character. They played with humour, exaggerated glissandi, and cheeky pizzicatos that made the audience chuckle. It was a reminder that violin playing doesn’t always have to be serious — it can also be playful and joyful.
The final pieces brought the concert to a heartfelt close. Georgii Moroz played Bartók’s Rhapsody No. 1 with fiery Hungarian flair. And then, in a surprise ending, David Loke and friends performed a jazzy, soul-filled arrangement of “You Are My Sunshine.” It felt relaxed and warm — like we were all gathered in a big living room, listening to music with friends.
What made this concert special was not just the level of playing — which was extremely high — but the way it celebrated connection, community, and growth. Every performer was once a student under Prof. Qian, and now they were sharing the stage together. As a young musician, I found it very moving to see where a music journey can go — and how, no matter how far we go, we can always come back and play together again.
