When the two young stars from the Curtis Institute of Music were summoned to a hotel room, one by one, to try out some high-quality violins, they were met with an odd sight. The room was divided in two with white sheets, and the violinists were greeted by scientists wearing tinted welder's goggles. "It was very mysterious and kind of weird," said Nikki Chooi, a student at Curtis since 2007.
Nikki Chooi
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In a flash the Allegro vivacissimo arrived with the young man flying confidently through the dazzling passages. The conclusion was fierce, even stunning — ensemble and soloist meshing to secure a brilliant finale.
Remember the name Nikki Chooi and that he played with the Highland Park Strings one December afternoon in 2011.
Remember the name Nikki Chooi and that he played with the Highland Park Strings one December afternoon in 2011.
The poignant strains of Beethoven's only violin concerto opened the program as Chooi soared elegantly above the orchestra. With understated beginnings and suspenseful build-ups, Chooi emphasized the music's forceful peaks. In the slow, middle movement, his musical sensitivity imbued Beethoven's phrases with a deeply human character. The light-footed finale's opening danced gracefully, and Jane Orzel's bassoon came forth with a lyrical, contrasting theme.
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