Yuja Wang returns to California this month, to perform two concerts with the Santa Cruz Symphony. Affectionately titled “Yuja II” this series features performances of Brahms’ and Beethoven’s First Piano Concerti, hosted on June 24 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and on June 25 at the Mello Center for the Performing Arts.
Her recent performances with the orchestra were heralded by audiences and critics alike:
“Yuja’s characteristic drive and energy made her playing sound sparkly, with strong rhythmic emphasis. She found the kinetic “push” even in Brahms’ most contemplative music. The Andante, the most lyrical movement, she played with as much strength as reasonably possible, gently but with drive. The light-toned finale came across like the Andante, only faster. There was nothing gaudy about any of this. Yuja offered a polite glimpse into the blood rushing through Brahms’ arteries.” (San Francisco Classical Voice)