Updates Fall 2012 - Spring 2013

This year will be my last in Graduate School and I will be earning an Artist Diploma in May 2013.
I just finished a collaboration with the Topeka Symphony and getting ready for a performance with the Kansas City Chorale which will result in two concerts in the beginning of October.
In the next couple of months I'll also have a number of solo performances for Park University.

Next year, April will be a a busy month with two recitals and a Chamber Music Master Class (April 6) organized by the Kansas City Symphony with Maestro Michael Stern. My graduation recital will happen at Park University sometime in late March. Than together with Victoria we'll join forces and perform in Saint-Louis, Missouri on April 7 a recital in the Music at Maryville Concert Series, Maryville University.

We're planning to record a new CD next Spring. This would be an extensive and exciting project!

The most exciting news of all is that in the end of November we'll welcome a new member in our family, a little girl which we'll name Sophie.

"Spanish Nights" Concert with the Orchestra of the Pines

Queen Elizabeth International Competition 2012

As a working professional musician one does many things such as playing concerts, practicing, working continuously to improve the artistic chops, teaching, marketing and the subject of this post... participating in international competitions.
I was honored to be selected and invited along with 88 others to participate in this year's violin edition of this prestigious international competition which takes place once every 4 years in Belgium. On May 1, after some intense performing and auditioning, I landed in Brussels.
My goal was to win this competition. In order to accomplish that I prepared to present myself in the best way possible. Walking on that stage felt like the most difficult thing I've ever done in my musical career. Even though I didn't accomplish my winning goal, I am happy that I had this experience. In the end I feel this experience made me a better violinist.
Once more I came to realize that art is the perception of the artist in an objectified way. That perception will not necessarily be the perception of the people judging. If the outcome is not successful, that is OK.
Of course it's hard not to care about all the sweat and countless hours between four walls practicing and slowly tinkering each note, each little part of the musical performance but... in the end it's all about keeping working, dreaming, playing and having fun.

Recital in Saint Louis, Missouri

The lightweight violin by Joseph Curtin

This is the violin maker Joseph Curtin and this is his creation: The lightweight violin.

The violin design as we all know it has not been changed in about 500 years since it got perfected in the workshops of the italian masters. Mr. Curtin took the challenging task of redefining the design, materials and construction of a new kind of violin, the lightweight violin. 

Recently I visited him in his workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I must tell you it was a unique experience. I am a professional violinist and have always been very interested in violin making. I just love to try, experiment new instruments and meet the wizards behind such wonderful singing beauties. During the brief tour I saw in a cabinet this violin sitting and I asked if I can try it. 

The second I played it I was hooked. I honestly can say this instrument gives me the best sound I've ever experienced in 25 years of playing the violin. The volume, responsiveness, evenness and tone is just stunning. I feel very lucky to have the privilege to play on such a wonder of an instrument and I cannot wait to share it with the world. 

You can find more detailed info regarding the technical characteristics and principles behind the construction of this instrument by searching online: Joseph Curtin lightweight violin or just by going to the website: www.josephcurtinstudios.com