Composer JP Jofre's New Violin Concerto "Mauna Loa"

The piece was world-premiered by violinist Eric Silberger, conductor Jinhyoun, and the Gyeongbuk Philharmonic Orchestra at the Daegu Concert House, in South Korea, on October 26, 2021

"Mauna Loa" was commissioned by violinists Eric Silberger and Lucia Lin, the latter of whom will give the piece's American premiere in March 2022.

"A few years ago I spoke with Eric Silberger about writing a concerto for violín and at the same time violinist Lucia Lin requested something similar," JP Jofre told The Violin Channel.

"Since both are dear colleagues with whom I have worked so much, we have naturally become good friends too. As you know, while rehearsing and traveling together around the globe, you get to share many things that strengthen meaningful relationships. All these beautiful moments were the inspiration I got for writing the piece.
 
"I was invited several years ago by Maestro Baek, whom I first met by performing with flutist Soo-Kyung Park. After performing at his festival, the Busan Maru Internacional Chamber Music Festival, he asked me to play my bandoneón concerto with his orchestra, the Gyeongbuk Philharmonic. They were also planning to bring violinist Eric Silberger for their World Orchestra Series, so that's how everything started. 

"I started writing this music at the beginning of the pandemic in New York City. It was the perfect time to write, other than going through the difficulties everyone faced from the pandemic, and I used the extra hours spent at home to work on it. Not having to travel or perform was very helpful, so I had plenty of quality time to work on the orchestration as well as the development of the themes.

"I hope it generates inspiration, love, and excitement. It's a challenging piece for the violin and I have no doubts that it will be enjoyed," he concluded.