WORLD BEST DESCENDS ON SOUTHBANK

One of the world’s leading violinists is set to perform in Southbank next month, as American musician Sarah Chang joins the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The performance, at Hamer Hall, is Ms Chang’s debut appearance in Melbourne, but is a reunion with the MSO, with whom she performed in Europe in 2007.

She will be the soloist during Samuel Barber’s heartbreakingly lyrical violin concerto.

Ms Change said that the piece had fast become one of her favourites to play.

“Samuel Barber’s concerto is really special for me. I am completely in love with it. There is a very unapologetic heartfelt romanticism in it that, for a 20th century piece, is from another time and place,” Ms Chang explained.

“I am so looking forward to playing with the MSO. I have already worked with the orchestra and they are such a beautiful, wonderful group of musicians with exceptional chemistry.”

To heighten her performance here in Southbank, Ms Chang will be using a 1717 Guarneri del Gesu, a violin that was given to her by her former teacher, the late Isaac Stern.

Ms Chang will perform with the MSO at Hamer Hall on March 23 and 25. For tickets call the MSO on 9929 9600 or head to its website www.mso.com.au