Zelman Symphony: Drama, Energy and Colour

Ji Won Kim and Zelman Symphony Orchestra. Image by Daniel Kirkham. 

Choosing three popular staples of classical music repertoire for the launch of their 2014 subscription series, Zelman Symphony began on an emphatic note with Mozart’s Overture from Don Giovanni.

Despite some unevenness in the quality of the playing, this was a spirited account that featured a confident attack on the part of the first violins and some attractive ensemble playing from the wind section. With an orchestral arrangement of violins placed on either side of the conductor, it might have been more supportive for the string section as a whole to have the violins together, but the choice of this layout was certainly in keeping with one form of standard practice.

There were also pleasures to be found in the following Beethoven Symphony No 2 in D, especially in the Larghetto second movement, which was played with considerable delicacy and feeling. After a fairly deliberate, but still rollicking Scherzo, a lively Allegro molto brought the work to a satisfying conclusion. The applause that greeted the end of each movement was a measure of the appreciation that Zelman Symphony concerts inspire.

It was inevitable that enthusiastic applause would follow the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. With long first movements that end with a triumphant sense of finality, the Tchaikovsky and Brahms violin concertos almost always elicit applause, even from the most seasoned concert goers.

In the hands of a violinist of the calibre of Ji Won Kim, definitive applause is even more inevitable. Mark Shiell’s deferential conducting ensured that she had every opportunity to shine. From the finest Romantic lyricism, with gleaming pianissimo top notes and harmonics, to the fiery passion of the final movement, her virtuosity and musical maturity created a moving and exciting experience.

The orchestra appeared to grow in confidence, doubtless inspired by the quality of Ji Won Kim’s playing. Again, soft but substantial string tone and some nicely coordinated wind playing were highlights. The clear acoustic and intimate atmosphere of Xavier College’s Performing Arts Centre contributed to the effect. Small wonder that the capacity audience demanded an encore. Although Ji Won Kim confessed to being ‘a little bit tired’ after such a strenuous concerto, she obliged by playing a Bach Adagio most beautifully.

As one of Australia’s leading community ensembles, Zelman Symphony performs a great service in giving audiences the chance to hear young stars in the making. Ji Won Kim has already established an extensive performing career in Australia and overseas, both as a soloist and chamber music player. Her many prizes include the ABC Young Performer of the Year Award and it is that accolade that has brought the other two soloists in Zelman Symphony’s 2014 series to the attention of a wider Australian public. Pianist Hoang Pham won the main 2013 award and oboist Andrew Kawai won the People’s Choice Award. By supporting these young artists, the management of Zelman Symphony increases their opportunities to hone their concerto skills and continues to grow their own audience base of keen music lovers.