Laura van der Heijden Shines in Sinfonia Cymru Performance

Cellist Laura van der Heijden, the 2022 recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society instrumentalist award and a former BBC Young Musician winner, showcased her talent in a recent concert with Sinfonia Cymru. The performance featured a diverse selection of works, beginning with pieces inspired by fairytales and culminating in Dobrinka Tabakova's Cello Concerto.

The Guardian

The concert opened with Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre’s *Les Démons*, incorporating foot-stamps and knee slapping for a percussive effect. This was followed by compositions from Grace Williams, Caroline Shaw, Hildegard von Bingen, and Pablo Casals, leading to Maurice Ravel. Van der Heijden, positioned as principal cello, demonstrated a commanding yet understated presence, allowing her musical dialogue with Sinfonia Cymru’s leader, Haim Choi, to flourish. Her interpretation of Casals’ *Song of the Birds* highlighted her effortless grace.

The Guardian

The centerpiece of the concert was Tabakova's Cello Concerto, which Van der Heijden performed with vigor. The first movement, titled *Turbulent*, showcased her rhythmic prowess, while the central movement, *Longing*, revealed a lyrical depth. Tabakova describes the concerto as a continuous arc, and in the finale, *Radiant*, Van der Heijden's virtuosic execution brought a heightened emotional intensity to the performance.

The Guardian

The second half of the concert featured a series of folk-inflected compositions, culminating in Béla Bartók's *Divertimento for Strings*. This work, completed shortly before the onset of World War II, resonated with a contemporary sense of urgency. The muted strings in the *Molto Adagio* movement conveyed profound anguish, allowing Sinfonia Cymru to exhibit their expressive capabilities. The ensemble's performance, particularly during emotionally charged passages, reflected the successful collaboration with Van der Heijden.

The Guardian

Critics have praised Van der Heijden's ability to blend authority and grace in her performances. The synergy between her and Sinfonia Cymru has been noted as a significant factor in the concert's success, with many highlighting the emotional depth achieved through their collaboration.

The Guardian

Laura van der Heijden's recent performance with Sinfonia Cymru not only showcased her technical skill but also highlighted the ensemble's expressive capabilities. The concert's blend of historical and contemporary works created a rich musical experience that resonated with audiences, reaffirming Van der Heijden's status as a leading cellist in the classical music scene.

The Guardian