REVIEWS

“One of the brightest stars was violinist Jessica Tong who performed the Samuel Barber Violin Concerto with a masterful authority that was remarkable in one so young.”
   -Lynn Bronson, Peninsula Reviews

The individuality of phrasing throughout and the gorgeous Adagio made this a performance to remember."
   -Leslie Gerber, Woodstock Times

“Outstanding talent and a remarkable dedication to the cause of music performance.”
   -Alice Rathe, Performing Arts and Entertainment in Canada


“Les Vinca ont su à merveille enchaîner un jeu anguleux, voire abstrait, avec des élans expressionnistes, voire des échos romantiques et même une espièglerie  toute viennoise dans certains phrases. C’est aussi, il faut le reconnaître, dans cette ecriture, que le caractere… de Jessica Tong était le plus approprié, laissant savourer une ardeur et une fougue qui ne se fait jamais au détriment de la beauté du son.”

[The Vincas were marvelously capable of linking abstract angular play with expressionistic spirit, creating romantic echos and even a Viennese spirit in certain phrases. In this instance, we must also acknowledge, that Jessica Tong’s character was the most appropriate, allowing us to savour her sense of ardour and intensity, but never at the detriment of her tonal beauty.]
   -Carlos Tinoco, ClassiqueInfo France


"Leur concert s'est terminé avec le quintette avec piano en fa mineur opus 34 de Johannes Brahms pour le plus grand plaisir d'un public conquis par les Vinca."

[The concert ended with the Piano Quintet in F minor op. 34 by Johannes Brahms, the greatest pleasure for an audience conquered by the Vincas.]
   -Vosges Matin, Epinal France

"[T]he Larchmere is an outstanding quartet. The musicians play with keen sensitivity and receptivity toward one another. There's certainly a well-practiced and artistically developed togetherness in their music making."
   - Peter Jacobi, Bloomington Herald Times

​“played with admirable tonal solidity and lyrical intensity.”
   -Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun

"It's all there now and can only get better."
   -Jay Sydeman, Host of the Mind of the Composer on KZYX radio

 COLLEAGUES AND MENTORS

“She is a wonderful violinist and leader… I believe Jessica has the intellectual, technical and musical abilities necessary to become a top professional.”
   -James Dunham, former violist of the Cleveland Quartet

There is no doubt that she will have a bright future performing on stages all over the world.”
   -Stefan Fehlandt, violist of the Vogler Quartet


“She approaches tasks with whole-heartedness and is both inspirational and energizing… someone who is confident with her playing and her ideas, and who respects the ideas of others. She is the type of player who raises the level of the players around her by reeling them in with her enthusiasm and high standards.”
    -Courtney Orlando, violinist of Alarm Will Sound
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EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS
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"What Jessica possesses-- that many other musicians do not-- is a contagious enthusiasm for chamber music and the rare ability to impart her knowledge to others. She has that amazing ability to teach as well as perform."
   -Amy Russian, Chairperson of Promoting Arts in Lander Schools


 "Jessica visited our small community for only one day, but left a lasting impact. My students are performing at a higher level and with more enthusiasm, as they were motivated by Jessica so well. Finally, an unintended consequence of Jessica's visit has been that I have become a better violinist and teacher because of her. After ten years in my position, I was inspired in a new way to pour more heart and effort into my own career, and I have Jessica to thank."
  - Matthew Stott, Orchestra Director at Vero Beach High School
 
"I don't even know where to begin.  You are a stellar performer AND an amazing teacher.  From the first moments of your coaching, you helped me to be a better and more confident musician.  You were able to enforce our strengths and overcome our weaknesses while making each session fun.  I could not have asked for a better coach."
  -Joan Goddard, Chamber Music of the Rockies participant


"Over the years I have had many teachers and have taken a number of music camps. I cannot think of any teacher who combines the scope of musical knowledge and musicality that Ms. Tong does, along with a gentle but firm approach to have everyone play better...Violinists who study with her should consider themselves fortunate to have such a great teacher."
   -Don Gilden, Adult amateur violinist and M.D., Louise Baum Endowed Chair and Professor of Neurology at the University of     
​    Colorado School of Medicine


The Vinca Quartet interviewed for the American Ensemble feature in Chamber Music  magazine,  May/June2010: