Young German violinist brings Mendelssohn's classic work to China

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The classic Violin Concerto in E minor, opus 64 by renowned German composer and pianist Felix Mendelssohn, was being staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts last Friday in Beijing.

Violin Concerto in E minor, opus 64 is Felix Mendelssohn's last large orchestral work and is one of the most popular and most frequently performed violin concertos in history.

Verena Chen playing violin at the Concert. /CGTN Photo

The half-hour performance was presented in front of Chinese music lovers last Friday by a young German violinist, Verena Chen, together with the China National Symphony Orchestra.

This is the first time that the violinist cooperated with the orchestra: "For me it is an honor to be here and play in this beautiful hall with this really good orchestra. Every time I'm in China I'm really happy, because China is my second home town. I can visit my family and do the performance at the same time."

Verena Chen playing violin at the concert. /CGTN Photo

Born into a Chinese-Japanese musician family 1993 in Hamburg, Verena Chen started to play the violin at a young age and has won a vast array of first Prizes at the German National Competition for young musicians.Sharing her experience in learning music, the artist said young people should keep their hobby.

The Violin Concerto by Verena is one chapter of the "Roam about Central Europe" concert. And Zhang Yi, conductor of the concert spoke highly and praised the skills of the young talent: "The Violin Concerto in E minor, opus 64 is one of the world's most-performed violin concertos. It is my first time to cooperate with Verena Chen to present this iconic piece, her skills are really excellent."

China National Symphony Orchestra playing at the concert. /CGTN Photo

"Roam about Central Europe" is part of the ongoing China National Symphony Orchestra 2017-2018 Concert Season first half, which will present some 100 Chinese and foreign symphonic works.