On 2 May 2019 Noa performed Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko, at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, UK.
Excerpt from the review on Bachtrack (4/5/2019):
“Dutch violinist Noa Wildschut played Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy with as much flair and individual character as I have heard. The concerto has deep roots in Liverpool, having been commissioned during the composer’s tenure as director of the Philharmonic Society, and premiered here by Joseph Joachim with the composer conducting. Such was the quality of Wildschut’s performance that the promotional material advertising the concert on the grounds of her young age (18) felt a little silly, and as unjust as advertising Zemlinsky on account of his similarity to Mahler or Strauss.
Rohan Shotton
Her tone was bright with an arresting immediacy from the outset, which brought a sparkling sense of life to what is ultimately folk music, adapted by Bruch for symphony orchestra. The more virtuosic passages of violin fireworks were good entertainment, but it was in the almost inaudible quiet which Wildschut and Petrenko masterminded that the most memorable moments came about. Here, with orchestral strings muted to the most negligible whisper, and the tempo broadened, the solo line was profoundly moving in its vulnerability and feather-lightness. There was an easy rapport with the orchestra, interacting neatly with harp and conductor closely, but her ability to hold the auditorium to rapt silence in these passages spoke highly of her musicianship. Like Zemlinsky, here was a unique voice who was more than capable of speaking on her own merits regardless of her age.”
Click here to read the full review.