David Park is an avid promoter of classical music. Whether as assistant concertmaster of the Utah Symphony, or as a chamber musician or soloist with orchestras around the country and abroad, Park strives to bring classical music to everyone.

David Park

Recently, he was named cultural ambassador for Mercedes Benz Salt Lake City. To commemorate this, Park gave a short recital in the dealer’s showroom.

Accompanied by young pianist Ubeeng Kueq, Park played a number of showpieces that highlighted his virtuosity and musicality.

Park showcased his expressive side with two pieces: a transcription of Chopin’s Nocturne in C sharp minor, op. posth., and the “Meditation” from Massenet’s opera Thaïs.

In both, Park played with subtle inflection and expressiveness that captured the nuanced lyricism of the music. His phrases were beautifully shaped and he brought sensitivity to his interpretation.

The two other pieces put Park’s technical skills to the test.

Both the Moto Perpetuo by Novacek and the Carmen Fantasy by Sarasate require a violinist with utmost dexterity and finesse. And Park showed he has what it takes to make the technical demands look easy. He gave a stunning account of both. While virtuosic, Park nevertheless infused his playing with lyricism and fluidity. It was a wonderful display of violin artistry.

And Kueq was an ideal accompanist. He offered intelligent support that allowed the violin to stand out; but at the same time there was a finely crafted balance between the two instruments.

For this recital Park played a 1701 Stradivarius.

(Late last year Park released his first CD, Violin Meditations. To read Ed Reichel’s review, please click here.)