Chloe Chua reminds us that Mozart’s Violin Concertos were penned by a teenager, leading to the question: why shouldn’t a young violinist give them a fresh interpretation? At just 11 years old, Chua was a joint winner of the junior Menuhin Competition in 2018, and she recorded these pieces when she was 15 and 16. Her approach follows a traditional framework, with no surprising deviations in tempo, backed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the refined direction of Hans Graf. While the performances are conventional, Chua captively engages listeners with interpretations marked by surprising maturity: balanced, thoughtful, and never overly showy. The quicker movements maintain a gentle momentum, while the slower passages are spacious; everything she plays features a clear, focused tone, elegant phrasing, and a touch of wit.
In addition to the five concertos, the album includes three standalone movements: two rondos and an adagio, along with the rewarding Sinfonia Concertante, where Chua partners with violist Ziyu He, another Menuhin Competition laureate. Their harmonious interplay enhances the listening experience. While these performances may not dramatically overshadow others in a crowded field, they are undoubtedly worth your time.
Listen on Apple Music (above) or Spotify.
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