Maxim Vengerov / Shanghai Symphony Orchestra / Long Yu GATEWAYS

Deutsche Grammophon released Gateways today, the first of a series of albums featuring works by major Chinese composers. The album, featuring Maestro Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, includes two works by Qigang Chen, as well as Rachmaninov’s “Symphonic Dances” and Kreisler’s “Tambourin chinois”, with Maxim Vengerov as the soloist. 

Looking ahead, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's 140th Anniversary Summer Worldwide Tour led by Maestro Long Yu debuts at the BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival, Wolf Trap and Ravinia Festival and returns to Lucerne Festival, Grafenegg, and Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam from August 14 to September 1 with soloists Eric Lu, Alisa Weilerstein, and Frank Peter Zimmermann.​

Vengerov’s sparkle is pleasing, especially after that career-threatening arm injury over a decade ago. But the biggest sonic impact here comes from Long Yu’s excellent Shanghai band, bathed in resplendent recorded sound...the musicians’ suavity is also showcased in a glossy trip through Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances. (The Times)