For those just discovering this 19 year-old American violinist, the term 'revelation' aptly applies. For his début in the recording studio he has chosen two seemingly opposed concertos: Mendelssohn's famous violin concerto and the magic concerto composed by Hoopes' compatriot, John Adams. "Implacably melodic", says Adams of his work - a point the two pieces prove to have in common in this magnificent performance, perfectly supported by Kristjan Järvi and his Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, with their wonderful range of colours.

Chad Hoopes has appeared with numerous ensembles throughout the world since he won first prize at the Young Artists Division of the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. His recent debuts include such orchestras as the Minnesota Orchestra, Brussels Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Colorado Music Festival Orchestra and the Trondheim Symphony. Hoopes is a frequent guest artist at the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad (Switzerland). Other appearances include Dresdner Musikfestspiele and Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where he was recently named winner of the prestigious audience award.

Chad began his violin studies in Minneapolis. He later trained at the Cleveland Institute of Music under David Cerone and Joel Smirnoff and went on to study with Ottawa’s NAC Young Artists Program and at the Heifetz Institute. He plays the 1713 Antonio Stradivari Cooper; Hakkert; ex Ceci violin, courtesy of Jonathan Moulds.