Edmonton Journal, May 26, 2000

A rousing ESO season ender

Canadian violinist Lara St. John concluded the opening half by joining the orchestra for Rimsky-Korsakov's Fantasia on two Russian Themes. St. John's playing was direct and expressive, and her sense for bringing out the lyrical line, even through virtuoso passages, was always clear.

And her lyrical gifts were much in evidence again, as she opened the second half of the program with two Tchaikovsky miniatures. The dark, chestnut tone of her violin suited the restless sadness of the Serenade melancolique beautifully, and she didn't add overdressed nuances to her interpretation. The Valse-Scherzo which followed showed a deft bow arm from St. John, and a fine sense for detail.