Strings Magazine reviews Hong-Mei Xiao’s English Works for Viola and Orchestra in their July 2018 issue:
“Distinguished violist Hong-Mei Xiao showcases not only her virtuosity but also her keen interpretive skills in this appealing compilation of English works. … She plays with complete conviction and passion, and a luxuriantly warm tone that vividly captures its picturesque Celtic charm. Ther is the requisite drive and focus with the fast passages played in taut and lively fashion, while the opulent middle section conjures the Irish landscape with her all-embracing sound palette. Her unfailingly sweet, expressive tone ranges from spine-tingling high notes to calm and evocative, always retaining the momentum of this big-scale, concerto-like [Arnold Bax] Phantasy to its sizzling climax. … Recognized among viola aficionados and players as the doyen of works in the genre, the glorious [Walton Concerto] score is done full justice by Xia, her rich and varied sound highlighting this magnificent work as she pours her heart into every phrase. … The Budapest Symphony under János Kovács makes the most of the exciting orchestration, sensitively backing the soloist every step of the way.”
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