Review, 19-02-2006

"......Out of the bloodied history of 18thcentury England, the seeds of Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy were born. As usual those who are conquered (after they are firmly and decisively conquered) acquire a certain fascination for the conquerors, and so it was with the Scots and the English.

The piece transforms old Scottish tunes such as Old Robin Morris, The Dusty Miller; I’m a-doun for lack of Johnnie and Scots wha hae, which is a wonderfully colloquial acknowledgment of a triumph over the English.There was nothing all that folksy about the Fantasy: you can jig to it (my type of Scottish Fantasy, I suppose) about as much as you can dance to a Chopin waltz.
Bruch’s work showcased Simone Lamsma from the Netherlands, armed with a Stradivarius. She had a beautiful tone, was exceedingly brilliant, suggesting a combination of talent, hard work and lots of love for what she does.
Indeed to achieve as much as she has done only at the age of 21, including a (Naxos) CD release later on this year, would seem to suggest so. Lamsma has a sparkling CV, full of names of violin masters, and prestigious competitions.
We hope to hear her back in South Africa soon……"


Lindelwa Dalamba, Sunday Tribune, 19 February 2006
KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, Durban SA
Opening concert, conducted by Robert Maxym


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