This Saturday at 8 p.m. on WHRO-FM, Raymond Jones welcomes Grace Park, the new concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Tune in to “This Just In” to explore her debut album and discover some of the latest highlights in the world of classical music.
“Grace Park Plays Dvořák & Mozart” is the debut album from violinist Grace Park, released by Orchid Classics on March 14 — the very same day she made her debut as concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. To help listeners get acquainted with the sound of the Naumburg International Violin Competition winner, Raymond Jones has selected her interpretation of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 “The Turkish,” recorded with the Prague Philharmonia under conductor Emmanuel Villaume. Her performance has been praised for its "purity, unaffected elegance, and well-directed youthful energy."
Also, on the program, we’ll hear “Sea Sketches” by Welsh composer Grace Williams. This evocative suite is included in the album “Grace Williams: Orchestral Works,” released by Resonus Classics in late 2024. Featuring the BBC Philharmonic under John Andrews, the recording offers a compelling glimpse into Williams’ orchestral voice and her deep connection to the landscapes and culture of her native Wales. The performance has been noted for its sensitivity and precision.
Another composer receiving renewed attention in recent years is Franco-Irish symphonist Augusta Holmès. Her legacy is celebrated in the 2024 CPO release “Augusta Holmès: Symphonic Poems.” From this collection, Raymond Jones has chosen “Pologne (Poland)” — a stirring work of nationalist spirit and orchestral color.
Another highlight this week is a stunning new addition to Pentatone’s ambitious Mahler cycle, with Semyon Bychkov leading the Czech Philharmonic in a powerful interpretation of Symphony No. 3. Joined by mezzo-soprano Catriona Morrison, the Prague Philharmonic Choir, and the children’s choir Pueri Gaudentes, this recording captures the grandeur and emotional breadth of Mahler’s longest and most expansive symphony.
And to close the evening, we turn to a deeply personal work by British-American composer Anna Clyne. “Within Her Arms” — written in memory of her mother — is performed by the chamber orchestra "The Knights," led by Eric Jacobsen, and included on the album “Shorthand.” Clyne has described the piece as “music for those who have lost, and those who still love.”
Emotion, depth, and discovery — this Saturday at 8 p.m. on “This Just In.” It’s classical. It’s new. And it’s on WHRO-FM 90.3 and also online through the Media Player.
