The Buffalo News, May 20, 2000

Violinist plays with passion

Soloist Lara St. John played her part with a great deal of spirit [Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, KV 216]. Technically, she cannot be faulted, and her intonation was virtually flawless. Yet the passion with which she perforemed had to compensate for an absence in real sweetness of tone.

She played with much effect. I would have liked less sophistication and more simplicity. As it was, her reading expressed her personality more than it did Mozart's. But she was a great hit with the audience and encorerd a Bach gigue.