As a component of his first prize in the 2013 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Chooi (here well accompanied by pianist De Pledge) won this CD release.
A scintillating performance starts with Three Preludes (Gershwin melodies as interpreted by Heifetz) and then enchants with Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Piano and Tzigane concert rhapsody, plus Prokofiev's Sonata No.1 Op.80.
The latter two are undoubtedly virtuoso works in which the violinist relishes the opportunity to display his techniques and speed, while retaining respect for the musical content.
Many will have heard Chooi in a tour for Chamber Music New Zealand or playing the works live in a Queenstown concert at the start of this year's contest.
This recording is even more impressive!
Verdict: Dazzling violin performances.
Soprano singers Mere Boynton and Anna Pierard and countertenor Xiao Ma are soloists in this studio performance (conductor Kenneth Young), released earlier this year at the same time as the commemorative book for the seriously ill composer, and his death.
Nearly an hour long, the song cycle was extracted from Body's longer work inspired by Carmen Rupe (1936-2011), a famous Maori who lived as a drag queen known for a colourful personality and courage.
The 16 songs explore transgenderism, with male soprano Xiao Ma singing four famous arias from Bizet's opera Carmen in the original French, plus a flirtatious reduced version of the Habanera. Other songs, in Maori or Spanish, testify to feminine strengths.
Verdict: Drama and passion in Body's music.
