Video: Enjoy Ruotao Mao’s solo performance of Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto with the Bay Atlantic Symphony
Ruotao Mao’s Performance of Brahms’ Violin Concerto
Bay Atlantic Symphony Concertmaster Ruotao Mao refers to Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto as “a dream piece.” It took Mao a year of rigorous practice to perfect performing it and deliver a stunning solo performance at Bay Atlantic Symphony’s first concert of the 2024-25 season, Exquisite and Electric.
“The sheer scale of the piece is amazing and Brahms’ solo violin composition fits perfectly with the rest of the composition,” Mao said. He has performed the work as part of a master class but this was his first time as the featured orchestral soloist. Even with all the extra practice Mao welcomed the opportunity to perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto with a full symphony orchestra.
Brahms’ work is revered as one of the great classical violin concertos, along with masterpieces by Beethoven, Mendelsohn, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. It is known for its technical demands and rich emotional depth and remains a beloved and challenging piece for performers and audiences.
Brahms was surely disappointed that it was not a success when first performed in 1879. One early soloist complained that the oboe, rather than the violin, plays “the only real tune in the whole work.”
There are no such gripes from Mao, who has been concertmaster — lead violinist — for Bay Atlantic Symphony for 20 years. “It’s a very special feeling performing with this ensemble. It’s like a family under the direction of our very talented musical director Jed Gaylin,” Mao notes.
Originally from Beijing, China, Mao now lives in Princeton, NJ and is known for his virtuosic violin performances in many regional chamber orchestras. His performances not only demonstrate technical mastery but also reveal the music's emotional depth.
He attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, then earned his Masters degree in Music from Mason Gross School of The Arts, the arts conservatory at Rutgers University. He also serves as Concertmaster for the Riverside Symphonia, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and the Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra.
As a concerto soloist, he has appeared with the Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the New England Conservatory Symphony, among many others.
Mao has taught violin and chamber music at The College of New Jersey, The Lawrenceville School and Princeton University. He also enjoys sports, a good game of chess and cooking.
About Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Yes to No Nets! Concert January 18 & 19
A nonet is a chamber music composition which requires nine musicians. At Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Yes to No Nets! concert the nine featured musicians are all long-time, dedicated performers with the orchestra. British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Nonet, Op. 2 in F Minor is performed in the first half with a ravishing display of incredible contrasts. Written in 1894 with four large movements, the piece was performed just once at a student recital that year. Recently the nonet has enjoyed new popularity. Two additional nonets are performed in the second half, both composed by 20th-century Czech composers. Josef Foerster’s romantic Nonet, Op. 147 was composed in 1931 and Bohuslav Martinu’s Nonet No. 2, H 374 in 1959. Both musically express pastoral countryside contrasting with suave and urbane cosmopolitan landscapes. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate nine Bay Atlantic Symphony musicians performing in a sophisticated, intimate concert perfect for a January matinee.
Performance Information:
Saturday, January 18 at p.m. at Guaracini Performing Arts Center
Rowan University Cumberland Campus- 3322 College Dr., Vineland
Sunday, January 19 at 2 p.m. at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center
Stockton University - 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway 08205
