Semifinal recital:

Noah Bendix-Balgley (USA) gives us a style of playing that one hardly hopes for anymore: a large and ample sound which conveys an impression of good health. This time, Schubert’s Rondo (D895) is justifiably called brilliant : it has elan, verve, spirit, and is completely tender. What a mixture of different elements, what drive, what rich sonority in his playing! His rich tones literally enfold Ysaye’s sonata, recapturing its sensual contours in a manner that commands respect. Immediately afterwards, the American violinist tackles the required piece with beautiful enthusiasm and profits from the many ornaments provided by the score to produce, with the pianist, one of the most beautiful dialogues thus far heard. And the « Variations sur un theme original » by Wieniawski carried the public to a melting point.

– Serge Martin, Le Soir, May 12th, 2009