Cincinnati Enquirer, November 4, 2001

At Friday morning's Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concert, their Italian-inspired works were featured along with two guests, violinist Lara St. John and conductor Carlos Kalmar.

Ms. St. John performed a blazing interpretation of Max Bruch's Concerto Number 1 in G minor for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 26. The first movement, "Allegro Moderato," is like a technical obstacle course beginning with a string of double and triple stops and string crossings. Many violin players can learn how to play - and master - these impressive, difficult moves. What makes Ms. St. John a world-renown violinist is her phrasing - her artistic interpretation of the work.

As she began a passage on an open string - and held it until she cued Mr. Kalmar - she showed a wonderful sense of timing. It was in the holding back, then moving forward that Ms. St. John created and carried a sense of excitement throughout the work.

Nicole Hamilton