For Your GRAMMY® Consideration

Violinist Grace Park has recently released her debut album, which was recorded on the Orchid Classics label alongside conductor Emmanuel Villaume and the Prague Philharmonia.

At the center of the disc is a new orchestration by Alex Fortes of Dvořák’s Four Romantic Pieces, a work that is all too rarely played — and that has been part of Park's repertoire since she was young. This piece is counterbalanced by Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 (“Turkish”), a staple of the violin repertoire more generally.

From Grace:

I was worried choosing repertoire for my debut album would seem like such a monumental decision. In fact, it was quite easy. I wanted to pick pieces that I’ve lived with for most of my musical life and that I’ve fallen more in love with over the years. Although Mozart and Dvorak lived centuries ago, I’ve always felt connected to them, and their musical language has always spoken to me in a profound way. Each of the works on the album represents a personal milestone in my development as both an artist and a performer.

When I first learned Mozart’s Concerto No. 5, it was one of the first times I knew I wanted to be a violinist. I’m drawn to Mozart’s exuberance, inventiveness and infectious energy. The concerto captures Mozart’s fascination with life, and that has always been an inspiration to me.

I first performed Dvorak’s Romance in my teens, and that was the first time I felt I had found my own voice. Dvorak’s unique soulful quality speaks to the deep emotions we all carry, without becoming too heavy or overly sentimental. His writing is rich with lush phrasing, yet with a sense of restraint that gives the violin a lyrical, yearning voice.

Along with these works, I have asked my dear colleague and friend who I trust and respect deeply, Alex Fortes, to arrange the Dvorak Romantic Pieces, which I love for their sweeping emotional range. Every note of this work declares meaning through both boldness and subtly. For me, this piece captures the essence of what it means to be a Romantic composer: Dvorak, a master of blending folk elements with profound emotional depth.

The experience of recording these pieces was incredibly meaningful. Working with Emmanuel Villaume and the Prague Philharmonia brought so much richness to the performances. And I truly cherish the artistic guidance of my wonderful producer and friend, Michael Fine. His clarity in understanding the music helped ensure that the nuance and depth of our performances would resonate.

This album represents a moment in my musical life—an exploration of deep emotion, of beauty in complexity and simplicity, and of the joy of virtuosity. These pieces have been with me for years, and recording them has been a deeply personal experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these moments of vulnerability and celebration with you.

With love and gratitude,
Grace

Recording Producer, Editor and Master Engineer: Michael Fine
Recording and Mixing Engineer: Jakub Hadraba
Digital Recording and Editing: Kurt Neubauer
Recorded at Church of St. Simon and Jude, Prague. June 2021. 

Label: Orchid Classics
Release Date: March 15, 2025