Mark Fewer's performance with Esprit Orchestra on March 28 at Koerner Hall received rave reviews by the press!
See some excerpts below from Ludwig Van Toronto, My Scena and Barczablog.
The concert featuring Mark Fewer in the works of Max Richter and Ligeti was acclaimed by the critics:
Ludwig Van Toronto
Somehow the motley elements cohere, with the soloist as a binding agent. Whether pumping out the semiquavers of the opening movement or flying high at the beginning of the Passacaglia, Fewer was equal to the technical demands of the music and true to its adventuresome spirit. He also supplied his own cadenza. There were many fine contributions from the orchestra, duly overseen by Pauk. This was a joint success.
Read the full review here
My Scena Fewer’s playing was truly virtuosic, and elicited a very warm reception from the audience.
Depending on its interpreters, the violin concerto risks feeling like an exercise in cacophony, or rather undiplomatically, in sonic chaos. Fewer and Esprit Orchestra did not fall victim to these challenges, though, instead revealing new and thoughtful contrasts. The dissonance and the dense orchestral texture were there to be sure, but within them were moments of lyricism and even transcendental beauty.
The cadenza ending by Mark Fewer was a stunning virtuosic display. Through it all, conductor Alex Pauk led the forces with a sure hand, in perfect sync with the soloist. The enthusiasm of the new music audience, who collectively gave the artists a standing ovation, was impressive. All in all, an adventurous and ultimately rewarding evening at the symphony.
Read the full review here
Barczablog
Fewer’s violin sounded immense and heroic among the orchestral players of Esprit, whose sound is sensual and immediate.
Read the full review here