Sarah Chang - violin

The idea to paint the great young violinist Sarah Chang came to me after her thrilling performance of the Bruch violin concerto, part of a memorial concert for Yehudi Menuhin in April 1999. But my sketches for this painting were made later that year as she rehearsed the Sibelius concerto with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

I was amazed by the way she remains totally focused, at one with her instrument, as she dazzles us with her brilliant technique.

The ochres and reds that predominate in this painting reflect her rich sound, but I have used pinks and blues to suggest her youthful exuberance.