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Victoria Simonsen
Cello
- Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York
- David Denton 18/1/08 - The Yorkshire Post
"At a time when young instrumentalists are being accused of placing technique above musicianship, Victoria Simonsen stands apart as one of the most talented cellists to have emerged over the past decade.
Thought, affection and expression had been brought to every note in this remarkable recital, while at the same time the technical challenges posed by the sonatas from Debussy and Shostakovich were hardly apparent in her total command of the instrument.
Will we ever hear that sweeping melody that emerges in the first movement of the Shostakovich played with such love and beauty, and I doubt that we shall again experience so many delicate shades in the Debussy.
All of these virtues were signalled in the programme's opening Pohadka by Janacek, a score that needs detailed interpretation if is not to sound slight and uneventful, while the Five Pieces by Schumann sang in long sweeping pages.
She was partnered by an equally notable young pianist, Ben Powell, potentially one of the finest accompanists since the days of the legendary Gerald Moore.
Together they form a formidable partnership."
- Ryedale Festival
- David Denton - The Strad
“...a musician of rare quality...”
- New Zealand Young Musician of the Year
- Lindis Taylor - The Evening Post
Final - with The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
"Cellist Victoria Simonsen’s exquisitely touching performance of the Elgar concerto ... she revealed a profundity of understanding, as well as splendidly projected tone and plenty of vigour when needed. Even in the highly personal slow movement her insight seemed not too remote from that of some of the world’s great interpreters."
- Maestro James Judd, conductor
"She has a tremendously deep understanding and profound respect for music"
- Auckland Philharmonia, Auckland Town Hall
- William Dart - NZ Herald
"Simonsen tackled the Elgar Concerto with the vehemence and poetry of a young Jaqueline du Pre. From those soul-wrenching chords of the opening bars through to the scurrying Finale ... this was a performance with attitude and vigour. Drawing some lovely sounds out of her instrument ... she made the Adagio an elegy to remember, working in perfect rapport with the orchestra."