Reviews Age 12, 2008

The 12-year-old made her professional concerto debut at the age of nine and has continued her musical career under the auspices of her teacher and mentor Richard Crabtree at Clifton College.

In an incredibly ambitious programme, she opened with Vitali's Chaconne.

The 17th century composer is best known for this particular piece, which tests the technical abilities of the soloist to the full.

Throughout the four movements of Cesar Franck's popular Sonata in A, Julia showed amazing alacrity, especially in the tempestuous Allegro, after the serene dialogue between violin and piano in the first movement.

After the interval, the large audience was treated to well-known pieces, starting with Saint-Saens's Havanaise, in which she conveyed the sultry atmosphere in a very convincing manner.

The same composer's quirky Danse Macabre was given an elegant and expressive performance before her technically brilliant version of Saraste's Gypsy Airs left the audience cheering and on their feet at its conclusion. As a result of this enthusiastic reception, Julia played two encores.

She was ably accompanied throughout by pianist Charles Matthews.

Her confidence and tremendous instrumental prowess augurs well for her future and I feel, with this recital, Julia has already made a dramatic impact on the musical world.

JOHN PACKWOOD

My wife and I joined many music lovers at St. George’s Bristol on Saturday.

The quiet air of expectancy and excitement built up as we awaited 7;30pm.

Julia Hwang was accompanied by Charles Mathews, who played the piano

during the recital.

  We sat in awe as this young lady moves fingers and bow with such precision.

The pianist was brilliant, with a touch so light it was all quite breathtaking.

After the interval, we were treated with more magic with bow and fingers.

The audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation, and were

rewarded with encores.

Julia spoke in English with a beautiful, soft Korean lilt to thank those who had

made the evening possible.

This young lady received bunches of flowers and larger bouquets with quiet dignity.

The evening was not over for Julia, as she willingly sat and signed

programmes and CDs, each person was thanked for their attendance.

This was a night when I was glad to be alive, and the memory will last forever.

  Dennis Shirley

Daily Mail, 2 Feb 2008

Saturday 2 February 7.30pm

Julia Hwang, violin

Charles Matthews, piano

DEBUT RECITAL

Vitali Chaconne in G minor

Saint-Saëns Havanaise

Bloch 'Rapsodie' from Suite Hébraïque

Sarasate Zigeunerweisen ('Gypsy Airs')

Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano in A

Child prodigy violinist Julia Hwang gives her debut recital at St George's Bristol with a programme featuring some of the finest works from the violin repertoire. After recording her stunning first CD, 'Debut', at the hall last year, the 11-year-old returns to the stage for what promises to be a heartrending evening of stunning virtuosity.

'It is very rare to witness such remarkable talent in one so young.'

click below to play, replay or silence Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate (7 mins, Nov 08)

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In March 2009. Julia has a Press conference in Paris.

Julia's engagements for 2010 were updated on 11 March 2010.