Max Bruch is remembered primarily for his much-loved Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, of 1867, one of the great violin concerti in the repertoire, and ASO Artist-in-Association Emily Sun’s performance of it was eagerly anticipated.

The concerto is unusual in that the first Allegro moderato movement is a prelude and the second Adagio movement, which immediately follows, forms the centrepiece of the concerto.

The quietly mournful opening passages of the first movement portend the dramatic announcement that follows, and right from the first bars, Sun created magic with her eloquent rendering of the movement’s lush melodies. In the emotionally-charged second movement, she gave a finely nuanced, passionate and at times heart-rending performance.

In the rousing and intense Finale: Allegro energico Sun again demonstrated her technical mastery in a bravura performance. Sun and visiting conductor Shiyeon Sung combined wonderfully, bringing out the romantic character of the Bruch, a work which contrasted with the atmospheric feel of the other works on the program.

In response to overwhelming audience demand, Sun gave an encore — the lighthearted but no less demanding ¡Si Señor! by violinist and composer Alexey Igudesman. One of many of his solo violin showpieces, it requires extended techniques such...