Kristīne Balanas Performs Mendelssohn in Barcelona

On 16 and 17 May 2026, Kristīne Balanas performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 with the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya conducted by Anja Bihlmaier at L'Auditori in Barcelona.

 

The performances were reviewed by several Spanish music publications.

"She approached the famous opening theme with boldness and precision, allowing the triplet bowings ample space while shaping highly defined articulations. Particularly striking throughout the performance were the accuracy of her left-hand intonation — especially in the highest register — and the remarkable cleanliness of her bow technique, in an interpretation that, if not entirely perfect, came very close to it."

"From the nostalgic character of the opening and closing sections to the intense and dark central episode, Balanas navigated the various themes with remarkable musical coherence, always keeping the vibrato under control and avoiding excessive or overindulgent glissandi. Returning to the brisk tempo, the third movement revealed yet another display of virtuosity from the soloist, who tackled the German composer’s buoyant phrasing with assurance and exceptionally refined articulation."

— Platea Magazine, 18 May 2026, Carlos García Reche

"A regular guest at the Proms and performing on a 1787 Antonio Gragnani violin, Kristine Balanas had previously dazzled audiences with her brilliant virtuosity. This time, however, the warmth of her sound palette and the care of her expression revealed a more poetic Balanas, delicate in her phrasing and fully devoted to a Mendelssohn interpretation that, while never lacking technical brilliance, delved more deeply into nuance and subtlety."

— Scherzo, 18 May 2026, Lluís Trullén

"Following the premiere came Mendelssohn’s imposing Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, in which Kristīne Balanas delivered a powerful display through her impeccable technical execution. Effortless, richly sonorous bowing, immaculate intonation, and a remarkable sense of unity with the orchestra defined the performance throughout."

— Núvol, 19 May 2026, Elsa Álvarez Forges

 

A recording of these concerts is available online via 3Cat.