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Lara St. John, violinist

Short Biography

Described as "something of a phenomenon" by The Strad magazine, Canadian-born violinist Lara St. John has performed as soloist with, amongst others, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony, the Montreal Symphony, and the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra of Budapest. She has also given recitals in many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. The L.A. Times has said "… St. John brings to the stage personal charisma, an unflagging musical imagination and genuine passion".

Also an exceedingly successful recording artist, Lara St. John was signed to an exclusive recording contract with Sony Classical. Her first disc, re: Bach, featuring innovative renditions of works by Bach was released nationwide in May 2004 and has since climbed to the top 15 of the classical Billboard charts.

Her debut CD on an independent label, Bach Works for Violin Solo has sold over 30 000 copies and received resounding acclaim. The Chicago Tribune describes Lara and her performance on this album as "… having superb technique and an irresistible vitality" while the US News and World Report called it "… an exquisite performance". Her second album, Gypsy, featuring Lara with pianist Ilan Rechtman, has attracted wide attention for its burning intensity. The Montreal Gazette headline was "… Lara St John is out on the edge, with captivating results". The Strad magazine selected her as one of the stars of the next decade. In January 2002, Lara released her third CD on her own label, Ancalagon Records. Bach: The Concerto Album and has once again received enthusiastic reviews, with Gramophone Magazine, placing the disc in its strongly recommended section and saying "It is difficult to argue with such a technically dazzling and unfailingly musical interpretation."

Website: www.larastjohn.com


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