Calgary Herald, December 2, 2000

CPO returns home in fine form

The soloist for the evening was the prominent young Canadian violinist Lara St. John, who performed Mendelssohn’s familiar Violin Concerto in E minor.

St. John brought to her performance an expressive tone, especially in the middle part of the dynamic range, and a rather rhythmically flexible view of the music. This was an intensely personal view of the concerto, the passagework taken in an insouciant fashion, the slower melodies shaped to emphasize personal points of whimsy.

Very positively received by the audience, St. John received a standing ovation for her efforts. [...] there was much to enjoy in this account of an imperishable score, St. John’s stage presence [was] part of the success of her solo appearance.