“CAPTIVATING AND COLORFUL” - LARA ST. JOHN RETURNS!
by Cheryl Zimmer-Luginbuhl

Yes, she’s back!  The Riverside Symphonia is about to kick off its 20th concert season with the return of violinist, Lara St. John. Described as “something of a phenomenon” by The Strad and a “high powered soloist”by the New York Times, St. John is not only a brilliant violinist but also an exquisite storyteller. Even if classical music is not your “cup of tea,” you’ll find yourself moved by the power and the theater of her performance. If you have seen Lara in concert, you know what I’m talking about. 

The first time I saw her perform, I was taken by the fact that she seemed to grow in stature as the piece began to build. A superb violinist --she seemed to dramatically lean into the music, challenging the conductor with the sheer power of her bow. It was as if the performer had become inseparable from the music. Then when you thought the passion of her music alone would banish everyone else from the stage, St. John fell back into a lighter melody as if to say I will take control – but not yet -- which left the audience waiting for the next movement. 

Maybe it was just this kind of performance that led to the review in the Cleveland Plain Dealer (March, 2009) to say, “Lara St. John is as captivating in the seductive scenes of the Piazzolla as she is crisp, caressing and colorful in Vivaldi's atmospheric paeans to nature.” Lara St. John joins the Symphonia at 8 PM on October 9 and 10 in Lambertville – and at 4 PM October 11 in Doylestown – to perform “FROM BAROQUE TO TANGO: Four Seasons by Vivaldi and Piazzolla. From the natural scenes depicted by Vivaldi to the sights, sounds, and romance of Piazzolla’s Buenos Aires, this promises to be another memorable performance.  Tango anyone?  Season subscriptions and/or tickets are available online at www.riversidesymphonia.org or call 609.397.7300 for more information.