MONTREAL — The finals of the Montreal International Music Competition began last night with the first block of three hopefuls taking the stage, backed by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Giancarlo Guerrero. Last night’s violinists included Ji Won Song (South Korea), Fedor Rudin (France–Russia), and Minami Yoshida (Japan).
These were all fine violinists, and at this level, it is expected that they will all be worthy players. But as these things go, it’s up to a jury, who, as word has it, have been barred from speaking about the performers with each other over fears that they might be swayed. Stranger things have happened…
The equally coveted and dubious opening slot was up to Ji Won Song, who performed a charming rendering of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Her spry fingers whipped up a lather on the fretboard, but in the second movement, after missing the sweet spot on two harmonics, she seemed fazed. Thankfully, Song didn’t hide behind a thick slather of vibrato and kept it restrained throughout. Guerrero was noticed adjusting to a few moments of flunky rubato, but overall Tchaikovsky’s notoriously difficult, yet beautiful Russian melodies were in good hands.
The most unique of the three was Fedor Rubin, who performed Wieniawski’s rarely heard first Concerto — which was, at first, presented with a more punchy Russian affectation, but ended with a precious French touch. It was a demanding piece and a brave choice, considering Wieniawski’s second concerto is much better known and well liked. Rubin clutched the bow with a Russian grip that hammered out a devil’s staccato. His demeanour was fairly nonchalant, and unlike the other performers, he didn’t look like he was waiting for the 8 a.m. bus between movements. Most welcome was Rubin’s clear signature on the music, which helped set him apart from the generic nature of violinists working the competition circuit.
The youngest finalist was Minami Yoshida, who performed a Sibelius’ Concerto with an agile bow, and a big sound that had no trouble reaching the back of the room (a good move, considering that’s where the judged were sitting).
The Finals continue tonight, with the three remaining finalists (Petteri Iivonen, Finland; Ayana Tsuji, Japan; and Bomsori Kim, South Korea). Each will present their concertos, leading to the final Gala event on Thursday, June 2, where the winners will be announced from the stage. Musical Toronto will be there.
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