It was fitting that in the first concert program after its founder’s passing, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and a guest soloist could present an evening so full of life and eventful music-making. On Wednesday night at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens, the young American violinist Sirena Huang gave the orchestra and its audience an astoundingly vital reading … [Read more...]
Huang shows new maturity in Barber with ACO
By Dennis D. Rooney This is a partial review. I was caught in a bad traffic jam on Interstate 95 northbound through Lake Worth that delayed my arrival in Palm Beach Gardens for a concert Feb. 14 by the Atlantic Classical Orchestra concert until the finale of Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, which opened the program. I was in my seat by the time Sirena Huang appeared … [Read more...]
Violinist Huang impressive in Kravis recital
By Dennis D. Rooney 23-year old Sirena Huang won the grand prize at last year’s inaugural Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition held at Lynn University in Boca Raton. On Jan. 22, she gave a local recital, part of the Kravis Center’s Young Artists Series. That complex’s Rinker Playhouse was an ideal venue. With Robert Koenig at the piano, Huang played a … [Read more...]
Arts Preview 2017-18: The season in classical music
It’s always a source of wonder to look over the classical season each year. Few other parts of the country have such an abundant menu of stellar performers, risk-taking groups and leading international orchestras, all of them stuffed into a relatively short season. And if you don’t have three or four options you’re trying to choose from every weekend in January, February and … [Read more...]
Oliveira Competition lookback: A talk with Sirena Huang; the competition reviewed
By Greg Stepanich When the going gets tough, the tough get chill. At least, that’s how Sirena Huang handles things before she has to go out with her violin and face the public. “Right before I go on stage, whether it’s a competition or a concert, I meditate in my dressing room. It helps me focus, to stay in the present moment, and just do my best,” said Huang, whose … [Read more...]
Violinist Sirena Huang wins first Oliveira Competition
Sirena Huang, a 22-year-old violinist from South Windsor, Conn., won first prize tonight in the inaugural Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition. Huang, who has soloed with more than 40 orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and Cleveland Orchestra, received $30,000, along with a new violin, bow and case, plus professional management and performance … [Read more...]
Arts buzz: Oliveira finalists perform this weekend; Liman Gallery closing will benefit Dreyfoos
Tonight and tomorrow afternoon, the four finalists in the Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition will compete for the grand prize in the inaugural mounting of this contest. Tonight at Lynn University’s Wold Performing Arts Center, two of the four finalists, Hannah Tarley, 25, of the United States, and Quanshuai Li, 25, of China, will perform with the Lynn … [Read more...]