Watch the World’s Oldest Violin in Action
VIOLINIST
Interview: Sophie Rosa, Violinist
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
You never stop trying to improve as a musician so every concert or practise session is challenge in that respect. There are certain moments that I look back on such as the final of the Manchester International Violin Competition and the first time performing live on BBC Radio 3. Both were very challenging and exciting. Finding an instrument was also a huge challenge. After approaching the Stradivari Trust, they kindly helped by setting up a syndicate to acquire my beautiful Joseph Gagliano violin dated 1795. I am very grateful to them as their support has been invaluable in the development and stability of my career.
(via)
Forgotten City from RiME – Lindsey Stirling
Interview: Liza Ferschtman, Violinist
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
I haven’t had to overcome anything dramatic so far, if I am completely honest, but I think what I am sometimes battling is the music industry’s desire to box artists. As well as solo concerts I play lots of chamber music, I collaborate with dancers and jazz musicians, and I love all sorts of repertoire. Back home in Holland I have full liberty, as people now know that I can do all those things, but abroad I am still challenging preconceptions!
Photo: Marco Borggreve
(via)
Interview: Lisa Oshima, Violinist
Who or what inspired you to take up the violin and pursue a career in music?
I started the violin at the age of four by the Suzuki method with my neighbour who was a friend. In my family there was no one musical. I was first inspired to become a violinist when I went to a concert at the age of five. Or perhaps I was strongly drawn to the beautiful red dress by the soloist….
Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
My teachers. I met the right teachers at the right time. Kenji Kobayashi, professor at the Toho Gakuen School of Music, always gave me intensive lessons, sometimes nearly 4 hours per lesson. I had to start again with him with scales, many etudes and contemporary music. Dr. Felix Andrievsky, professor at Royal College of Music, taught me the background of the music and how to create my own music. He always believed in and encouraged me; without his great support I couldn’t continue studying and working alone in Europe. Erich Hobarth, concertmaster of Concentus Musicus Wien, passed me Harnoncourt’s baroque style. We often discussed baroque and modern violin playing style and I tried both of them.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
Every concert, every event is always a great challenge for me.
However, an orchestral audition was one of the toughest challenges. To get a position in the orchestra was the only way for me to stay in Europe after studying at college. I was eager to get an orchestral job so auditions were extremely stressful. Failure was not tolerated at that time.
(via)
Interview: Elisabeth Turmo, Violinist
Who or what were the most important influences on your musical life and career?
When I was younger my biggest inspiration was Anne Sophie Mutter, who I simply adored for her temperament and colouring in her playing. In later years there have been a handful of people who have had a huge influence on my musical life and career, as well as my personal life. My experience is that being a musician is an opportunity for learning more and more about yourself, which is one of my favourite things with being a musician. It always challenges me to get to know myself on a deeper and deeper level physically, psychologically and emotionally. The more I learn, the easier it gets and I become more and more like a curious child! One of those who have had the greatest influence on my musical life and career the last few years is Timani teacher Tina Margareta Nilsen, who is an expert on how to use the body as a musician in order to reach your potential as a musician. My Alexander Technique teachers at the Royal College of Music, Judith Kleinman and Peter Buckoke also had an extraordinary influence on my playing as well as life in general. I am very grateful to these dedicated teachers who have included body and mind to music. How to use my body in a healthy, uplifting and musical way while playing is truly one of the greatest gifts and wisdom I have ever received, and every day I am exploring new things and deeper and deeper layers of it.
Another huge influence in my musical life, career and life in general is Ascension meditation. I started to practice this meditation every day one year ago. This has helped me getting back to the joy and love of playing and performing music that I had when I was younger, but somehow got somewhat lost on the way with pressure and stress associated with playing the violin. It has also helped me with creativity and being more efficient in every aspect of my life, including in the practicing room. I have never practiced as little as I do now, and never developed as fast! It has helped me become more present during performances, which is probably one of the most important aspects as a performer.
(via)
The Unbearable Ambivalence Of A Violin Player