“Interacting with his fans through videos is fun” for Ray Chen, the 29-year-old violinist, writes Chen Nan in Tuesday’s (6/26) Nation (Thailand). “So far, he has released over 100 self-produced videos, combining comedy with music via social media. Speaking about the videos, he says: ‘I want to show fans, especially the young generation, that classical music can be fun.’ In ‘The Golden Age,’ his first recording with Decca Classics since signing with the label last year, Chen features a selection of works, which celebrate the ‘golden age’ of the violin—not only in terms of repertoire, but also in terms of performance style and ingenuity. Instead of making a recording, which is ‘simply sticking a microphone in a room or hall and trying to produce the best version of the piece,’ Chen seeks to create something new in the studio. ‘What else can I add to these celebrated pieces, which have been performed by many other great violinists?’… The centerpiece of the new album is German composer Max Bruch’s violin concerto, performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Robert Trevino … The album features compositions and arrangements by violinists Fritz Kreisler and Jascha Heifetz.”
Posted June 27, 2018
