Judith Lynn Stillman

San Diego Jewish Times

At the TICO (Tifereth Israel Orchestra’s) Jan. 25 Concert, pianist Judith Lynn Stillman plunged into the opening of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Concerto in G Minor for Piano and Orchestra,” propelling the first theme with unbridled momentum.  The second theme, in contrast, was played with delicately phrased sentiment.  The majestic second movement preceded the mazurka-like finale that sparkled under the digital dexterity of this superb pianist.  Although this concerto has been performed a number of times by artists with the San Diego Symphony, of which the most recent was Jerome Lowenthal  under the direction of Yoav Talmi, no one surpassed Stillman’s performance. The pianist’s infectious sprit was shared by violinist Martin Chalifour when they played Mendelssohn’s “Concerto in D Minor for Violin, Piano and Strings” following the intermission.  This work by the 14 year-old Felix sounded much like Mozart, abounding in virtuoso scale passages, all beautifully executed by the two artists.  Their ensemble was remarkable, and TICO supplied admirable orchestral support for both concertos.  The evening was made most memorable by the two Mendelssohn concertos.

San Diego Jewish Times