Baltimore Sun, May 20, 1999

Violinist brings intensity to Bruch

In contrast to soloists' polite readings in past season, Lara St. John's performance of the concerto in G mior gave full expression to the music's passion.

... a quick glance at Lara St. John, who played the Bruch G minor with the ASO last weekend, will tell you that she is no gentleman. And, be assured the 27-year-old Canadian fiddler doesn't play like one either.

Her intensity level, in fact, inspires the cliche' monger in me, for St. John goes for broke, pulls no punches, and lets the emotional chips fall where they may. So much for polite, deferential violin paying. Of all the great concertos, Bruch No. 1 probably responds best to such an increndiary approach, and the visitor pulled it off in grand fashion. Pyrotechnics aside, and the gypsy dance of the third movement had plenty ot kinetic zest.