 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Upcoming Performances
March 23, 20082007 Performances
In November, Maria participated in the Moscow Open Harp Festival where she performed W. Walter-Kune Fantasy on Themes of the Opera by "Eugene Onegin," and works by Tchaikovsky (arranged by M. Agazarian); Chia-Yu Hsu, "Huan," and E. Parish-Alvars Concertino for Two Harps and Orchestra, op.91 with Tatyana Oscolkova (first prize winner of the Lily Laskine International Harp Competition.
2008 Performances
May 15 - Maria Krushevskaya performs at the Russian Music Academy in Moscow
Following the Israeli harpist Sivan Magen's April 2006 performance at Alice Tully Hall, the New York Sun wrote: "Sivan Magen dazzled…Mr. Magen delivered a dramatically charged, suitably mysterious, and stunningly strong-handed realization.His tone was superb."
Sivan Magen is the First Prize winner of the 16th International Harp Contest in Israel (2006), in which he has also won the Propes Prize for the best performance of the required Israeli piece, and the Renié prize for the best performance of Henriette Renié’s "Ballade Fantastique". The first prize consists of a custom made style 23 gold concert grand harp which will be presented to him in a Gala recital in Lyon & Healy’s Chicago concert hall, a debut recital in London and a CD recording, both presented by the Victor Salvi Foundation, and a concerto appearance with the Rishon Letzion Symphony Orchestra. Mr Magen is the first Israeli to have won this prestigious contest in its 47 years of existence.
Having won the prestigious "Premier Prix" (Prix mention Très Bien) of the Paris Conservatory, Sivan Magen has performed at Le Trianon and Salle Gaveau in Paris, the Kfar-Blum Festival in Israel, recorded for Israeli Radio and Television, and participated in the 2006 Marlboro Music Festival. As a soloist he performed with most of the Israeli orchestras, including the Israeli Philharmonic under Mendi Rodan.
Born in Jerusalem, Sivan Magen studied the piano with Professor Benjamin Oren and Talma Cohen and the harp with Irena Kaganovsky at the Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance. After finishing his military service as an "Outstanding Musician" in 2001, he continued his studies with Germaine Lorenzini in France and was accepted to Isabelle Moretti's world renowned harp class at the Paris Conservatory (CNSMDP) from which he graduated in June 2005. He is currently a member of Nancy Allen's studio at the Juilliard School in New York.
Sivan Magen is a winner of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarships since 1995.
2007 Performances
In 2007, Sivan performed in a recital and presented a masterclass at Libby Gardner Hall, University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah); music recital, Felicia Blumenthal Hall (Tel Aviv, Israel); recital at the Jerusalem Music Center - performance broadcast on national radio network "Radio 1" (Jerusalem, Israel) and performed in the Compensar Concert Series co-sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation (Bogota, Colombia. He was also invited to teach a masterclass, serve as head of the jury of the Taiwan National Harp Competition and perform in a recital in Taipei. Sivan also performed at the Marlboro Music Festival (Marlboro, Vermont).
In addition, he performed in the Giverny Chamber Music Festival (Normandie, France);with the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival and made his Chicago debut in a solo recital at the opening gala of the 2007-08 Lyon & Healy Concert Series in Chicago. Sivan also played with the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon-Letzion (Israel); as a soloist in the "Giovanni Virtuosi del Arpa" series (Torino, Italy) and in recital in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) as part of the "Close Encounters with Music" series.
August 22 to September 2 Giverny Chamber Music Festival (Normandie, France)
Sivan's performances included: 8/26 - Caplet: "Conte Fantastique (harp and string quartet); De Falla: "Psyche" (voice, flute, cello, harp);9/1 - Ibert: "2 Interludes," Ravel/Salzedo: "Sonatine en Trio;" Hersant: "Noctume" (flute, viola, harp and 9/2 - Ravel: "Introduction and Allegro;" Debussy: “Dances for Harp and String Orchestra.”
September 8-9 - Sivan performed at the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival: "Sonate Pour Flute, alto et harpe;” Mahler: “Symphony no. 10” (chamber version)
November 1-6 Sivan performed at the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon-Letzion. (Israel) Rodrigo: "Concierto De Aranjuez" - composer's version for harp and orchestra.
November 9 - Sivan performed as part of the "Giovanni Virtuosi del Arpa" series (Torino, Italy).
November 18 - Sivan performed in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) as part of the "Close Encounters with Music" series.
2008 Performances:
April 13, 14 - Sivan Magen performs with the Israeli Chamber Project in New York, USA
April 25 - Sivan Magen will be performing at Juilliard's Morse Hall in New York, USA
June 4, 5 - Sivan Magen performs with the Israeli Chamber Orchestra in Tel-Aviv, Israel
June 16,18,19,20 - Sivan Magen tours with the Israeli Chamber Project
July 17 - Sivan Magen performs at the opening concert of the World Harp Congress
July 18-27 - Sivan Magen performs at the International Chamber Music Festival in Kuhmo, Finland
Israeli Harpist Sivan Magen wins 16th International Harp Competition in Israel
You need to be somewhat of a harp junkie to know the name of Henriette Renie, but she occupies a position in her instrument’s history roughly equivalent to that of Theodor Leschetizky at the piano or Leopold Auer the violin. Renie was a master teacher who held sway for the first half of the 20th century as the ultimate pedagogue. Not only have her methods become the sacred materials of the modern harpist, she was also an active composer for the instrument. In the best performance of the day, Sivan Magen dazzled with her "Ballade Fan tastique After Poe’s ’The Tell-Tale Heart.’"
Even in a recital of highly talented aspirants, this rendition was a distinct cut above. Mr. Magen delivered a dramatically charged, suitably mysterious, and stunningly strong-handed realization. This is a rather old-fashioned work, the kissing cousin of a Lisztian tone poem.There is one particular expansive melody that sticks in the ear and Mr. Magen made the most of it. His tone was superb. Considering his gender, he might be in line for a position with the Vienna Philharmonic.
The New York Su, "Plucking at Your Heartstrings" by Fred Kirshnit, April 14, 2006
Biography
As the Gold Medal winner at the 2004 USA International Harp Competition, Emmanuel Ceysson has already established himself as one of the foremost harpists of his generation.
Acclaimed for his interpretations of French music, he was also awarded the Special Prize for the Best Performance of Debussy’s Danses sacrée et profane at that competition.
Mr. Ceysson has appeared in solo recitals and festivals throughout Europe, including the World Harp Congress in Geneva (2002), the Journées de la Harpe in Arles (2000, 2002 and 2003) and the 6th European Harp Symposium in Lyon (2004). He has performed as soloist with l’Orchestre de Basse-Normandie and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
A versatile musician, he is an accomplished transcriber, arranger and a recipient of the prestigious "Premier Prix" of Harmony from the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Paris. He often performs as principal harpist with l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
In March 2005 Mr. Ceysson gave his Paris debut recital at Salle Gaveau, accompanied by French violist Karine Lethiec and flutist Jean Ferrandis in a performance of chamber music and solo works.
Mr. Ceysson’s UK debut in November 2005 included performances in Wales, a concert at the Wigmore Hall and a live interview on BBC Radio 3’s "In Tune." His debut CD "Divertissements á la française" was released with Egan Records to coincide with his UK tour. In 2005, Ceysson also made a joint CD in collaboration with Xavier de Maistre, the Rheinland-Pfalz Philharmonie and Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu produced by Clavès.
He was chosen in June (2006) as the Paris Opera’s next Principal Solo Harpist. Mr. Ceysson performed a concert in Viggiano, Italy in honor of Victor Salvi and also gave a master class and a recital during the HarpMasters series with the Skaile Philharmonie.
Mr. Ceysson was the winner of five prizes awarded in the 2006 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and in November gave his debut recitals in New York at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall and Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center. At the auditions, he was also awarded the Peter P. Marino Prize, the Alice Rosner Foundation Prize, the Victor Salvi Foundation Prize, the Summis Auspiciis Prize, the Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize, the Vancouver Recital Society Prize and the Orchestra New England Soloist Prize.
Other appearances in 2006-07 include the Usedomer Musikfestival (Germany), the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Boise State University, the University of Utah, the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Harp Society, and his Chicago debut at Lyon & Healy Hall, sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation, as well as the Giovani Virtuosi Dell’Arpa Series at the Museo Dell’Arpa Victor Salvi (Piasco, Italy), also sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation.
Mr. Ceysson was born in 1984 in Oullins, France. He studied harp at the Conservatoire National de Région de Lyon with Jacqueline Defoulounoux and Christophe Truant, trombone with Yvelise Girard, harmony with Denis Magnon and chamber music with Joel Nicod. He is currently studying with Germaine Lorenzini in Lyon and in 2005 received the Premier Prix de Harpe in Isabelle Moretti’s class at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Paris.
Mr. Ceysson’s debut CD "Divertissements á la française" was released with Egan Records. He also made a joint CD in collaboration with Xavier de Maistre, the Rheinland-Pfalz Philharmonie and Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu produced by Clavès.
2007 performances have included: the Cartagena International Festival of Music (Cartagena, Colombia), recital in collaboration with the "Colline Saluzzesi" at the Church of San Giovanni in Piasco, Italy; Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival (Bridgehampton, N.Y.); Island Concerts (Fisher's Island, N.Y.) and a recital in Bogota, Colombia at Compensar co-sponsored by Salvi Foundation (Colombia), French Embassy and Universidad Nacional. He returned in the fall to teach a masterclass to conservatory students in Bogota.
2008 Performances:
January 5, 2008Symphony wraps up season on high note - Emmanuel Ceysson performs at the final concert of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra's 2007-08 season
ElPasoTimes.com - April 12, 2008
"After a brief opening by the orchestra, Ceysson took command and the audience became spellbound. So rarely does one have the opportunity to hear solo harp, and Ceysson's brilliant performance was captivating."
Emmanuel Ceysson: He's All Harp, but More Soul Sure Would Come in Handy
The Washington Post - January 26, 2008
"Emmanuel Ceysson has as good a chance as any harpist in recent years to explore the rich if limited solo harp repertoire and perhaps inspire new works."
Harpist plays at University
www.redandblack.com - January 18, 2008
… "It is also very impressive that he serves as Principal Harp of the Paris Opera Orchestra at the age of 23, so he is definitely a very talented young man," …
Bridgehampton Festival Strings Out the Best
The New York Sun - August 8, 2007
… The principal harpist with the Paris Opera, Emmanuel Ceysson, flew in from Cardiff, Wales, to perform in two of the festival's concerts. He also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music in London. How did he get to Bridgehampton? …
A Harp, in Many Moods, Reflects or
Aspires to France
The New York Times - November 28, 2006
... gold medal winner at the prestigious USA International Harp Competition and ... The concert at Galeri is presented by the Victor Salvi Foundation and Salvi …
North Wales
The 20 year old Musician brought the competition to a stunning conclusion. His all-French program played up poetic expressiveness.
Indianapolis Star July 13, 2004
Emmanuel Ceysson, at only 21 a musician of extraordinary powers, looks like joining the ranks of those who are performing a similar emancipatory service for the solo harp . Ceysson chose a broad programme . this last, a descriptive piece based on a gruesome Greek legend, called for techniques that take harp-playing into new realms, with spooky glissandos on a single string and a range of pluckings and slappings designed to evoke the weirdness of a family drama that puts Jerry Springer’s shows in the shade. Ceysson realized its potential, but in many ways did not need such effects to assert either his skill or his musicality
Daily Telegraph, November 29, 2005
"Un ’niño terrible’ en
el arpa" – A review of Emmanuel's performance at the Cartagena International Music Festival.
El Tiempo.com, January 11, 2007
Biography
Equally revered as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer, Anna Verkholantseva has established herself as one of the most accomplished harpists worldwide. Born in 1973, Ms. Verkholantseva began her harp studies at the Central Music School in Moscow and continued her education at the Moscow Conservatory with the legendary harpist and teacher, Vera Dulova. Since then, Ms. Verkholantseva has been a consistent prizewinner at international competitions including the prestigious First Prize at the First Moscow International Harp Competition. As a result, Ms. Verkholantseva made her international debut ravital at London’s Wigmore Hall in 1998, sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation.
That same year, Ms. Verkholantseva performed as a soloist with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sergei Stadler at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. She later appeared as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of Radio Estonia in Talinn, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra in Vilnius and the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Vienna.
An active chamber music collaborator, Ms. Verkholantseva has performed at the Davember Nights Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow with the renowned violist Yuri Bashmet, with whom she also performed the world premiere of Valeri Kikta’s "Sonata for Viola and Harp" in 2003.
Other highlights include critically acclaimed performances with violinist Alexander Trostiansky in London’s Covent Garden in Italy and a tour of the United States sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation during the 2000-2001 season.
Ms. Verkholantseva has performed at the opening concerts of the World Harp Congress in Prague (1999) and Geneva (2002). A strong proponent of contemporary music, she has performed the world premieres of Thomas Rajna’s "Suite for Violin and Harp" and Valeri Kikta’s "Sonata for Violin and Harp" and "Scottish Suite for Two Harps and Orchestra" – all commissioned by Victor Salvi.
Before accepting her present post as Principal Harpist with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Anna Verkholantseva was Principal Harpist of the Moscow State Orchestra of Cinematography, the Russian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Stadttheater in Bielefeld, Germany.
Anna performed extensively in 2006 throughout Germany, Poland and Hungary. Solo performances included the Orchestra Katowice and at the Katowice Harp Festival (Poland); Rottenbach-Muhlstetten (Germany) and the International Harp Festival (Godoll, Hungary). In addition, Anna also taught masterclasses in Frensham Heights in Surrey (UK).
2007 Performances
In April, Anna gave a solo performance in Villingen-Schwenningern (Germany) with the Russian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra. The program featured music by Rimski Korsakove, Glier, Borodin and Glink. Juri Gilbo was the conductor.
Please visit www.victorsalvifoundation.com for additional performance dates and further details.
Having won her first international harp competition – First Prize in the beginners category at the First Felix Godefroid International Harp Competition – at the age of 10, Anneleen Lenaerts has shown musical promise from a very young age.
Ms. Lenaerts began studying the harp at the age of nine under the tutelage of Lieve Robbroeckx. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned harpists such as Susann McDonald, Suzanna Mildonian, Isabelle Moretti, Marielle Nordmann, Isabelle Perrin, Erika Waardenburg and David Watkins. She currently studies with Jana Bouskova at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in Brussels and with Isabelle Perrin in Paris.
Her most recent and highest award is First Prize at the Fifth Lily Laskine International Harp Competition in Deauville, France (2005) where she also obtained prizes for the best interpretation of Bach's Chaconne and of the work written for the competition.
Prizes won at international competitions include: Promising Youngster Award at the Third Lily Laskine Junior International Harp Competition in Deauville, France (1999); First Prize at the academy level for 'Beneluxconcours van de Nationale Harpstichting in Brussels, Belgium (2000); First Prize at the intermediate level at the Second Felix Godefroid International Harp Competition in Namur, Belgium (2000); First Prize at the International Competition of Harp and Orchestra in Vresse, Belgium (2002); First Prize at the First International Harp Competition in Gödöllö, Hungary (2003); First Prize at the Third Felix Godefroid International Harp Competition in Namur, Belgium (2003); Cui Jun Zhi Prize at the Sixth USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington, Indiana (2004); Third Prize at the Sixth Franz Josef Reinl Competition in Vienna, Austria (2004); and Second Prize at the Fifth Arpa Arpista Ludovico International Competition in Madrid, Spain (2005).
Anneleen Lenaerts was chosen for the Focus-on-Youth concerts at the World Harp Congresses in Geneva (2002) and Dublin (2005) and was invited to play at the European Harp Symposiums in Amsterdam (2000) and Lyon (2004), at the Harp Festival in Gödöllö (2004) and 'Les Journées de la Harpe' in Arles (2004).
She has given solo recitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Spain, Turkey, Poland and the United Kingdom. Anneleen was a soloist with several professional orchestras in Belgium and abroad including: Het Limburgs Symfonieorkest, deFilharmonie, L’orchestre de Chambre du Namurois, Orchestra Valerio Boldi, Arpista Ludovico Chamber Group, L’ensemble de Basse Normandie, Het Vlaams Radio Orkest, Orchestra Akademic Baskent, Brussels Chamber Orchestra.
Ms. Lenaerts is a member of the World Harp Congress and represents Belgium in its Youth Ambassador Program.
Appearances in 2006 included: recital "Festival de Harpe" (Gargilesse, France); Opening Concert festival "Septembre Musical de l’Orne" with L’ensemble de Basse Normandie (Eglise Saint-Martin d’Argentan, France); "Harpe Diem" (Bornem, Belgium); "Les Journees de la Harpe" (Arles, France); and the Giovani Virtuosi Dell’Arpa Series (Alba, Italy), sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation.
Anneleen made her Paris debut at the Salle Gaveau on March 9, 2007 with a program dedicated to Lily Laskine. She was accompanied on the flute by Clement Dufour; Florent Pujuila on the clarinette and the Amedeo Modigliaini Quartet.
In addition, she performed "Seduced by Harps 3" – a harp quartet with Sarah Verrue, Leen Van der Roost, Aurelie Guerreiro Viegas, (Lommel, Belgium); recital, "Festival de Harpe" (Avesnois, France); concert with violinist, Bart Vandenbogaerde (Zonhoven, Belgium and Sint-Truidin, Belgium); recorded CD's with Wim Mertens and Valerio Boldi; performed "Caleidoscoop" works from Hans Van Daele and Wouter Lenaerts, at the Koninklijk Conversatorium (Brussels, Belgium); concert in Prague (Czech Republic and with the "Leuvens Alumni Orkest," (Leuven, Belgium).
2008 Performances:
January 20, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen) and oboe (Karel Schoofs) - The Four Seasons - Campus St. Hubertus - Neerpelt (Belgium) [more...]
February 15, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen), flute (Frauke Deschacht) and cello (Stijn Kuppens) - Pelgrimshuis - Sint-Gillis (Belgium) [more...]
March 6, 2008 - Concert – Danse Sacrée and Danse Profane of C. Debussy for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Brussels Chamber Orchestra) – Heist op den Berg (Belgium) [more...]
March 7, 2008 - Concert – Danse Sacrée and Danse Profane of C. Debussy for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Brussels Chamber Orchestra) – leuven (Belgium) [more...]
March 8, 2008 - Recital - Rode Pomp - Gent (Belgium) [more...]
March 16, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen) and violin (Bart Vandenbogaerde) - Church of Mariakerke (Belgium) [more...]
March 30, 2008 - Recital - Prague (Czech Republic) [more...]
April 5, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen) and oboe (Karel Schoofs) - Creation of work by Wouter Lenaerts - Rotselaar (Belgium) [more...]
April 12, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen), flute (Femke Van Leuven) and orchestra (Limburgs Kamerorkest) - Neerpelt (Belgium) [more...]
April 13, 2008 - Concert harp (Anneleen), flute (Femke Van Leuven) and orchestra (Limburgs Kamerorkest) - Conservatorium Hasselt (Belgium) [more...]
June 7, 2008 - Concert - Concerto for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Brussels Chamber Orchestra) of Vaughn Williams - Tongeren (Belgium) [more...]
July 17, 2008 - Recital - World Harp Congress - Amsterdam (Netherlands) [more...]
2007 Performances:
January 27, 2007 - Seduced by Harps 3, harp quartet.
Anneleen Lenaerts, Sarah Verrue,
Leen Van der Roost, Aurelie Guerreiro Viegas
Cultuurcentrum De Adelberg (Lommel, Belgium)
Performance begins at 7: 00 PM.
For more information please go to: www.ccdeadelberg.be
February 9, 2007 - Recital, Festival de Harpe (Avesnois, France)
April 11, 2007 – Concert – ‘Congratulation Concert’ for Prof. Libuse Váchalové – Conservatory Prague – Sukova sín, Rudolfinum, Alsovo nábrezí 12, Prague(Czech Republic)
May 1, 2007 - Recital (Rome, Italy)
May 2, 2007 – Recital – Academia Belgica – Via Omero 8-00197 - Rome (Italy)
May 19, 2007 - Concert with Leuvens Alumni Orkest (Leuven, Belgium)
May 31, 2007 – Recital – Dékanský kostel Nanebeizetí P. Marie - Prague (Czech Republic)
June 3, 2007 – 11 am – Concert – Concerto for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Leuvens Alumni Orkest) of G. Pierné – ‘Aula Pieter de Somer’ – Leuven (Belgium) – www.lao.be / info@lao.be
June 16, 2007 – 8.30 pm – Concert harp (Anneleen) and violin (Bart Vandenbogaerde) – Gent (Belgium)
June 24, 2007 – 11 am – Recital – Centre for Fine Arts – Ravensteinstraat 23 – Brussels (Belgium) – Info & Tickets: 02 507 82 00
June 30, 2007 – Concert – Concerto for flute (Francesca Canali) and harp (Anneleen) of W. A. Mozart – Danse Sacrée and Dans Profane of C. Debussy – International Festival of Tillysburg – Linz (Austria)
July 27, 2007 – 11.30 am – Recital – European Harp Symposium – Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre – Cardiff (UK)
September 22, 2007 – Private Concert – Antwerpen (Belgium)
October 10, 2007 – Concert harp (Anneleen) and oboe (Karel Schoofs) – Peer (Belgium)
October 27, 2007 – Concert – Concerto for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Mechels Kamerorkest) of F. Boieldieu – Mechelen (Belgium)
October 28, 2007 - Concert – Concerto for harp (Anneleen) and orchestra (Mechels Kamerorkest) of F. Boieldieu – Mechelen (Belgium)
November 2, 2007 - LONDON DEBUT at the WIGMORE HALL presented by THE VICTOR SALVI FOUNDATION with Allegri String Quartet 7.30.pm
November 9, 2007 -- Concert harp (Anneleen) - organ (Luc Ponet) - Church Alden Biesen (Belgium) - info@chillida-verroken.be
November 15, 2007- Concerto for flute (Francesca Canali) and harp (Anneleen) of W.A. Mozart - Grosses Festspielhaus (MM) - Mozarteum Orchester - Salzburg (Austria)
November 23, 2007 - Recital - HARMOS Festival - Museu Municipal de Esposende - Praça do Muniepio - Esposende - Portugal
November 24 2007 - Recital - HARMOS Festival - Auditório Municipal de Vila Do Conde - Praça da República - Vial do Condo - Portugal
November 25, 2007 - Recital - HARMOS Festival - Casa de Música - Av. da Boavista - Porto (Portugal)
November 29, 2007 - Recital - Kunstencentrum Berg 30 - 9860 Oosterzele-Balegem (Belgium)
December 2, 2007 – 11 am – Private Concert – Neerpelt (Belgium)
For more information on Anneleen, please visit her website: http://www.anneleenlenaerts.com/
Please visit www.victorsalvifoundation.com for additional performance dates and further details.
Biography
Welsh-born Catrin Finch’s rise to prominence began almost as soon as she plucked her first strings at the age of five. Six years later she became the youngest principal harpist of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
She won her first major international prize in 1999 at the Lilly Laskine International Harp Competition in France. Shortly thereafter, she was a winner of the 2000 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York, and as a result has now played in over thirty states in the USA including recitals and concert debuts in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. In May 2004 Catrin Finch was nominated for a Classical Brit Award in the category of Young British Classical Performer, resulting in an appearance on ITV with Bryn Terfel. She also won an Echo Klassik award for Best Crossover Artist in Germany.
Ms. Finch is the former Royal Harpist to the H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. She had the honor of reviving this ancient tradition last performed in 1873, holding the appointment from 2000-2004. During those years she gave many performances at the Royal Palaces and to royalty from around the world.
Catrin Finch has performed extensively throughout the U.S.A., the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Notable events during the 2004-2005 season included an appearance with the Boston Pops, performances with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields at the Barbican’s Mostly Mozart Festival, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Welsh Proms, and a recital for Radio France. In addition, she performed concerto appearances with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the London Mozart Players and Sir James Galway, the Philharmonia, Charlotte Symphony and the Lake Charles Symphony.
The 2005-2006 season highlights included a recital at the Weill Recital Hall in New York, a concerto debut at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival, a performance at the MDR Musiksommer Festival in Leipzig, concertos with the Manchester Camerata, London Mozart Players and the English Chamber Orchestra, performances at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, plus an appearance at the Edinburgh Festival.
Her career is now expanding into television. Amongst her earliest appearances on TV were two features on BBC’s "Blue Peter" and many Welsh TV appearances. Since then she has appeared on all the major television and radio networks in the UK and many abroad. Catrin has added presenting her own programs to her extensive performance appearances.
She has collaborated closely with Karl Jenkins, including the premier of a new double harp concerto commissioned by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and is also currently working on new material with John Rutter and Howard Goodall. Her debut CD, "Catrin Finch, Harp Recital," was recorded on the Egan Records label.
Catrin has recorded for most of the major international recording companies, including Universal Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI and Sony Classical, both solo and with notable artists such as Bryn Terfel, Sir James Galway and Katherine Jenkins. Her versatility in different musical genres is demonstrated in her many recordings, which range from solo classical recitals and concertos to an eclectic cross-over mix and her own 14 piece band "CF47."
In May 2006 Catrin participated in the three-week Spoleto Festival (Charleston, SC), performing daily in a series of chamber music concerts with other world-renowned musicians. She received critical acclaim for her solo performances of Bach’s "Toccata and Fugue" and Godefroid’s "Carnaval de Venice."
On July 11, 2006 Catrin received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. At the award ceremony University Registrar Dr. Catrin Hughes recognized Catrin Finch for her confidence and personal style which had transformed the image of Wales’ national instrument. According to Dr. Hughes, "her name has now become synonymous with that of the harp." The award adds to Catrin’s growing list of university honors – she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Wales in Bangor in 2005, and from the Royal Welch College of Music and Drama. These awards reflect her achievements around the world as a musician and ambassador of Wales.
2008 Performances:
January 6 - 13: Catrin played at the Cartagena Music Festival at Cartagena, Colombia. [more...]
January 24 - February 1: Catrin promoted her new Kissan Clasurol CD with a small tour of Wales. [more...]
March 1 - Catrin played at a concert celebrating 25 years of St David's Hall in Cardiff. [more...]
March 13 - Catrin played with the London Mozart Players at the Warwick Arts Centre, Warwick. [more...]
March 14 - Catrin played with the London Mozart Players at the Anvil, Basingstoke. [more...]
March 15 - Catrin played with the London Mozart Players at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon. [more...]
April 2 - Catrin is playing with the London Mozart Players at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. [more...]
April 11 - Catrin is playing at the opening concert of the Menuhin Competition 2008, at St David's Hall, Cardiff. [more...]
April 26 - Catrin is playing for the Holmes Chapel Music Society. [more...]
June 13 - Catrin is playing the Welsh Brass Arts Festival 2008. [more...]
July 13 - Catrin is playing with her Band CF47 at the MDR Musiksommer Festival. [more...]
July 18 - Catrin is playing at the Llandeilo Music Festival. Details to be announced. [more...]
July 22 - Catrin is playing at the World Harp Congress in Amsterdam. [more...]
August 02 - Catrin is playing at the Fishguard Festival in South West Wales. [more...]
August 04 - Catrin is playing at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient in Brittany, France. [more...]
2007 Performances
In 2007, Catrin made her first trip to Japan where she made her debut at the Nikkei Hall in Tokyo to a full house, followed by another full house at the Hyogo Metropolitan Arts Centre in Osaka. She recorded a TV program for NHK-TV, the BBC of Japan.
During the concert in Tokyo Catrin played on the Salvi harp originally made for the Empress of Japan, who attended one of her rehearsals. According to Catrin, she has now played on all the "Royal" harps she knows about -- those made for the HRH The Prince of Wales, the King of Thailand and the Empress of Japan.
Her newest CD,"Little Angels, (Angyliion Bach" in Welch) offers a collection of lullaby’s from around the world. It was recorded together with her mother-in-law and fellow harpist, Elinor Bennett and produced by her husband and her new daughter's father, Hywel Wigley. It was released on Hywel's Kissan label. The album features several arrangements of well-known traditional melodies by both harpists.
In addition, Catrin performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Theatre Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon; St David's Day Gala Concert in support of Cancer Research Wales; performed with the Froncysyllte male Voice Choir in their 60th anniversary year William Aston Hall, Wrexham; performed with the Parc and Dare Band and Electric Brass at various venues throughout Wales; and with Elinor Bennett at Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw Arts Centre, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli.
On April 25th, Catrin's Band, CF47 made its debut at St David’s Hall in Cardiff. She also performed at the Ruthin Castle Hotel Festival, Ruthin and in the chamber music series at the Spoleto Festival Charleston SC, USA and the Southwell Festival (Southwell, Nottinghamshire). Catrin was also a featured harpist at the European Harp Symposium in Cardiff
August 1st - Catrin is performing with her Band CF47 at the Aberaeron Bicentenary Festival in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, 6.30pm. For more information please visit www.aberaeron.info
December 19, Catrin was in Thailand for a concert at the Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok. [more...]
Philanthropic Activities
In addition to her professional career Catrin is dedicated to providing school children an opportunity to experience classical music. She believes experiencing live music at an early age helped to shape her musical career, and wants all children to be given the same opportunity. She launched "Classic Kids’ Campaign, supported by Salvi Harps, to help children and young people enjoy classical music. This includes tours of schools throughout England and Wales (and in the U.S. when she is on tour there) bringing the harp and classical music into the classroom. It also provides free tickets for young children to some of her concerts.
She is also deeply committed to the Beacon of Hope Charity of which she is a patron. A Mid-Wales charity, the Beacon of Hope provides immediate support and comfort for families dealing with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. Catrin helps raise awareness of the charity and its objectives in Wales, and supports their fundraising efforts. She recently became an Ambassador for the Institute of Cancer Research through her involvement with the Beacon of Hope Charity.
Having a great love for Thailand, Catrin helped establish the Harp School in Bangkok. After the Tsunami disaster which hit Thailand in 2005, she organized a tsunami appeal concert in a small chapel near her home outside Cardiff. She was joined by other artists including Sian Cothi, Ryland Teifi, Celticana and the Serendipity Choir in an effort to raise money for the relief effort.
To learn more about Catrin's activities and various recordings please visit her website: www.catrinfinch.com.
Biography
Since winning First Prize in the Fifth USA International Harp Competition in 2001, Dan Yu's lyrical interpretations, profound musicality, and technical mastery have captivated and dazzled audiences across three continents.
She has performed solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the United States, Europe and Asia and in the 2002-2003 season appeared to great acclaim at Alice Tully Hall in New York and Wigmore Hall in London. The New York Concert Review hails her as "a unique and major talent capable of bringing the art of harp playing and the way the world views it to an entirely new dimension… …radiating so much joy.it seems she's already in a class by herself."
Ms. Yu has also appeared in solo recitals in Paris, Geneva, San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Naples, Pittsburgh, Denver and Atlanta among others. In 2004, her Asian tour took her to Tokyo, Kobe, and Fukui in Japan along with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenyang in China. As a soloist, she performed in 2004 with the China National Symphony Orchestra at the Beijing National Library Concert Hall and the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Virginia.
Dan Yu's performances have been broadcast on television and radio stations nationally and a documentary on Ms. Yu was broadcast worldwide via China Central TV 4. Her debut CD "The Nightingale" was released on the Egan Records label in July 2002 and another CD "Spring on the Moonlit River" was recently released in fall 2005. In addition to performing, she has also given masterclasses throughout the United States and China.
Born in Shenyang, China, Dan Yu began studying piano at the age of six and the harp at 10, moving to the United States in 1993 to focus solely on the harp. She holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and an Artist Diploma from Indiana University. She resides in the Los Angeles area as both a concert harpist and harp teacher.
The highlights of her performances in 2006, included a solo recital at the Florence Gould Theater of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation and a recital at the Mammoth Lakes Music Festival in Northern California.
In 2007 she gave a solo recital in La Jolla,California and served as a judge in the 3rd Taiwan National Harp Competition in (Taiwan) and as one of the three judges for the first Victor Salvi Award presented by the Victor Salvi Foundation. The awards were presented prior to the opening of the American Harp Society Summer Institute in Chicago.
Upcoming Performances - 2008
Biography
Born into a family of musicians, Gwyneth Wentink was introduced to music while in the womb. At the age of five she began playing the harp, making her debut three years later with the Netherlands National Youth Orchestra in a performance of Mozart's "Concerto for Flute and Harp." At the age of ten she performed for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Since she was eleven years old, Ms. Wentink has received many top prizes for her musical performances including awards from The Young Music Talent Foundation and The Princess Christina Concours, both in the Netherlands; the International Nippon Harp Competition in Tokyo and the Torneo Internazionale di Musica Competition in Rome.
In 1998, she won the prestigious International Harp Contest in Israel, where she became the youngest contestant ever to be awarded First Prize. She was also awarded the special Gulbenkian Prize for the best performance of Shafer's "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra." In 1999, she won the First Prize at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York at the age of seventeen. She is the first solo harpist ever to be awarded this distinction in the forty-year history of YCA. She has been awarded the Beracasa Foundation Prize, the Mortimer Levitt Career Development Award, the Aaron and Irene Diamond Soloist Prize (2000), the Richard Hall Foundation Prize (2001) and the Netherlands-American Foundation Prize (2002).
She made her recital debuts in 1999 at both the Wigmore Hall in London and the Merkin Hall in New York City. Both concerts were presented by the Victor Salvi Foundation. In March 2002, Ms. Wentink performed at New York City's Carnegie Hall. She also performed with the world renowned flutist, Eugenia Zuckerman, at the Morgan Library in New York City.
As a soloist, Ms. Wentink has performed with I Fiamminghi under the baton of Rudolph Werthen in Brussels, with the Orquestra Sinfonica Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho in Caracas and with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Joël Levy. She was also the featured artist with The Nieuw Sinfonietta in the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam as well as with the Südwest Rundfunk Orchester while on tour in Germany. In addition, she was a soloist with the Philharmonisch Orkestra of Bergen (Norway) under the baton of Simone Young and with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra.
Gwyneth Wentink's other important performances include collaborations with the National Symphonie Orchest in Bucharest (Rumania), Rotterdams Kamerorkest, the Brabants Symphony Orkestra and the Fins Philharmonik Orchestra. She gave her New York debut concert at Alice Tully Hall in 2001 with the New York Chamber Symphony, conducted by Jorge Mester.
In 2006, she was awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor bestowed upon a classical musician. This prestigious award is presented by the Dutch government.
During the year, Gwyneth performed in France and toured Indonesia, performing in Jakarta, Bali and Sumatra with Chaurassia, the Indian flutist.
Gwyneth Wentink's critically acclaimed debut CD was released under the Egan Records label. Her latest CD, "Rodrigo: Concierto Serenata/Concierto de Aranjuez (Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 9)" was released in the fall of 2006 on the Naxos label.
2007
In 2007, Gwyneth performed in concert in Montevideo, Uruguay and in Amsterdam with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Roberto Benzi. This performance was in recognition of winning the Dutch Music Prize in 2006. She was accompanied by the Kirwani Quartet for this special concert.
During the year she also performed with Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer throughout the Netherlands; the Nederlands Jeugd Strijkorkest; with Felicia van den End (Rijssen, Netherlands) and performed works by Debussy, Caplet and Saint Saens with the Quartet Rubens (Rotterdam, Netherlands). In addition, Gwenyth gave a recital with Giuseppe Nova, flutist, at Chiesa della Rosa (Busca/Cuneo, Italy) sponsored by Comune di Busca, Assessosrato alla cultura, Assessorato alla Cultura Italy & USA and the Alba Music Festival Associazione Culturale "Amici della Musica" di Busa. She also performed Chiesa parrocchiale di S. Andrea (Brossasco, Italy) in collaboration with Festival Mista.
2008 Performances
January 15 – Concert Performance, Kasteel Heeswijk Heeswijk Dinther
January 16 – Concert Performance, Speelhuis Helmond
January 20 – Concert Performance, Theater de Muzeval Eersel
January 25 – Concert Performance, Paleis ´t Loo Apeldoorn
January 27 – Concert Performance, C.C. De Schakel Heerhugowaard
January 27 – Concert Performance, Museum Schokland Ens
February 10 – Concert Performance, De Molenberg Delfzijl
February 21 – Concert Performance, Hof 88 Almelo
March 02 – Concert Performance, Hotel Sparrenhorst Nunspeet
March 09 – Solo Recital, De Boerderij Huizen
March 17 – Concert Performance, De Vereeniging Nijmegen
March 28 – Concert Performance, De Toonzaal Den Bosch
March 29 – Concert Performance, De Toonzaal Den Bosch
March 30 – Concert Performance, De Toonzaal Den Bosch
April 04 – Concert Performance, Cruquius Museum Heemstede
April 06 – Concert Performance, De Aegtenkapel Amesfoort
April 10 – Concert Performance, Parkgebouw Rijssen
April 13 – Concert Performance, De Cenakel Tilburg
April 17 – Concert Performance, De Nutszaal Enkhuizen
April 19 – Concert Performance, Hillegondakerk Rotterdam
April 20 – Concert Performance, Caeciliakapel Tiel
April 20 – Concert Performance, Protestantse kerk Veghel
April 27 – Concert Performance, De Koornbeurs Franeker
For more information on Gwyneth's career, please visit her website: http://www.gwynethwentink.nl/
Jane Yoon, virtuosa tejedora de sonidos - Gustavo Tatis Guerra, El Universal - Nov 3, 2006
Concierto de la arpista coreana Jane Yoon - Gustavo Tatis Guerra, El Universal - Nov 2, 2006
Harpist playing beyond her years - Annie Tasker, Herald Times - June 2, 2005
"Jane Yoon takes us on a merry voyage of a perfectly balanced recital through the styles which were illustrated with a faultless technique."
Association Internationale des Harpistes et Amis de la Harpe - about her debut recital in Deauville, France in 2004.
"Jane Yoon is one of the most brilliant among the young stars of the harp"
Ouest Magazine, France, 2004
Biography
Since making her international debut at the age of fourteen with the RTE Concert Orchestra in Dublin, Letizia Belmondo has won an impressive number of competitions and awards, including the Victor Salvi Competition in 1995, the Rovere d’Oro in 1997, the Società Umanitaria in 1998, the Martine Geliot Prize in the Lille Harp Competition and the Franz Schubert Competition in 1999 and the International Harp Competition in Lausanne in 2000.
In February 2001, Letizia won the First Prize along with the "Esther Herlitz" Special Prize for the best performance of a contemporary piece in the 14th International Harp Contest in Israel. At the age of nineteen she was one of the youngest harpists to ever win this prestigious competition.
One of the most outstanding harpists of her generation,Letizia’s technique and musicality has captivated audiences everywhere. Since making her debut at the Wigmore Hall in London, she has performed to great acclaim throughout Europe and the United States. She recorded her first CD in January 2002 with Egan Records.
Letizia Belmondo began her musical training on the cello at the age of five with Antonio Mosca at the Suzuki Talent Center in Turin. While at the center, she picked up the harp at the age of eight and continued her studies with both instruments at the Conservatoire G. Verdi in Turin. It was under Gabriella Bosio’s tutelage that she turned her full attention to the harp. She won a De Sono Scholarship to study at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Lyon, France, where she studied with Fabrice Pierre and subsequently graduated with honors in 2002. Post-graduation, she studied with Nancy Allen at The Juilliard School.
Currently Letizia is Solo Harpist at the "Opera Royal de la Monnaie" in Bruxelles, a position she has held since June 2005.
Her appearances in 2006 included performances with the Orchestre Symphonique de la Monnie in Belgium and on tour with the symphony in Spain; performances with the Filarmonica Ludano (Messina, Italy); Musee Charlier (Brussels, Belgium); and as a soloist with the Giovani Virtuosi Dell’Arpa series sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation at the Castello e parco del Roccolo (Busca, Italy).
2007
Letizia continues to perform regularly with the Orchestre Symphonique de la Monnie throughout Belgium and on tour through the Netherlands. Other performances included Chiesa Sant'Antonio di Ranverso (Torino, Italy); Auditorium Paganini (Parma, Italy) Grand Foyer de l'Opera (Brussels, Belgium); Sennori (Sassari, Italy); Pietraporzio and Vinadio (Cuneo, Italy), European Harp Symposium (Cardiff, Wales) International Chamber Music Festival (Santa Cristina d' Aro, Spain); International Music Festival (Spain); the Festival Settembre Musica (Milan); Orchestra Mozart performing Mozart: "Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, conducting (Balzano, Bologna Italy); Conservatorio G. Verdi (Torino, Italy in addition to performance in Belgrade, Serbia and numerous school recitals throughout Belgium.
Upcoming Performances 2008December 4-24 Letizia performed with Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de la Monnaie
K. Ono, conductor
J. Masseret, Werther
December 13 - 19 Letizia performed with Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de la Monnaie
P. Maxim, conductor
C. Saint-Saens, Oratorio de Noel
January 6 Letizia performed with Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de Monnaie
M, Minkowski, conductor
Gala du Nove Au
February 7 Letizia performed with Antwerp Orchestra Symphonieque de la Monnaie
K. Ono, conductor
L. Nielandt, oboe
A. Schnittke: Concerto for Oboe, Harp and Orchestra
www.demut.be
February 9 Letizia performed at Palais des Beaux Arts - Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de la Monnaie
K. Ono, conductor
L. Nielandt, oboe.
A. Schnittke: Concerto for Oboe, Harp and Orchestra
www.demut.be
February 26 - March 12 - Letizia performed with Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de la Monnaie
M. Wigglesworth, conductor
A. Berg: Wozzeck
March 20 - 22 - Letizia performed with Bruxelles Orchestra Symphonique de la Monnaie
N. Totsuka, conductor
A.T. DeKeersmaeker, choregrapher "D’eu soir un jour"
March 29 - Letizia performed at Villadossola (UB) Italy
Teatro la Fabbrica, recital
April 16 - Recital - Belgrade, Serbia
April 20 - Letizia performs at Carnegie Hall, NY, USA
April 25 - Letizia performs at Grand Foyer de l'Opera in Brussels, Belgium
April 26 - Letizia performs with Orchestre Symphonique de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium
May 6 - Letizia performs in Linz, Austria
May 9 - Letizia performs in Belgium
June 21 - Letizia performs with Orchestre Symphonique de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium
June 4 - 29 - Letizia performs with Orchestre Symphonique de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium
July 22 - Letizia performs at World Harp Congress in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
For more information on Letizia’s career, please visit her website:
http://www.letiziabelmondo.com/.
Biography
Praised by critics and audiences alike, nineteen-year-old Varvara Ivanova has already performed in major concert venues in Western Europe, Russia and Israel.
Following her London debut performance in Wigmore Hall with the London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Geoffrey Simon, British critic Edward Johnson wrote: "Ivanova demonstrated that she is a born virtuoso. Her sensitivity, beauty of sound and musicality captured the near-capacity audience … one of the very few harpists who can simultaneously awe and charm." That performance took place in June 2003 and was co-sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation and Anglo-Suisse Artistic Foundation.
In November 2003, Ms. Ivanova won first prize at the prestigious International Harp Contest in Israel and received the special award for her performance of Ami Ma’ayani’s "Maqamat."
Varvara Ivanova was born into a family of musicians in Moscow and at the age of five began her studies at the Preparatory of Moscow Conservatory under M.F. Maslennikova. A child prodigy, she had her first major performance of Handel’s "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra B-dur" at the age of seven at the Big Concert Hall of the Moscow Conservatory with the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra.
Throughout her emerging career, Varvara has been awarded major prizes in numerous harp competitions, including First Prize at the Lily Laskine Harp Competition, Junior Division, in France and First Prize at the Vera Dulova Harp Competition in Russia. She has also been awarded a highly-coveted scholarship from the Rostropovich Music Fund.
In November 2001, Ms. Ivanova replaced Xavier de Maistre, Principal Harpist of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, on one week notice, as a soloist with the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra on tour in Germany and performed to critical acclaim in Dusseldorf Tonhalle, Hamburg Musikhalle, Munich Prinzregententheater and Frankfurt Alte Oper. A year later, she was a featured soloist at the World Harp Congress in Geneva, Switzerland.
Varvara Ivanova has also performed as a soloist with other prestigious orchestras, including the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Primo Allegro Chamber Orchestra and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ms. Ivanova is currently studying in the class of E.A. Moskvitina, while keeping a busy performing schedule. Recently, she performed solo and chamber music on a concert tour in Russia under the auspices of the Rostropovich Music Fund. She was invited to participate in the tour again in June 2005.
In April 2005, Varvara Ivanova gave her New York debut recital at the Merkin Hall and her Chicago debut recital in the newly completed Lyon & Healy Hall in conjunction with the Victor Salvi Foundation.
Ms. Ivanova participated in the festival, "Harp Art in Russia," (December, 2005 and April 2006). In May, 2005 she performed in a solo recital at The International Harp Festival in Beograd and in July, she performed in a concert by the Scholars of the Rostropovich Foundation at the 6th G.A. Papaioannou Classical Music Festival (Kavala, Greece). In September, Varvara took part in a concert in honor of the 15th anniversary of the revival of the temple, "The Big Rise" (Moscow) and in October she performed in the Giovani Virtuosi Dell’Arpa Series, sponsored by the Victor Salvi Foundation, at the Museo Dell’Arpa Victor Salvi (Piasco, Italy).
She is continuing her masterclasses with maestro M. Rostropoich, professor of Moscow Conservatory Daniil Kopilov (piano) and with professor of the Academy of Choral Art, musicologist, musical critic, Dmitry Zotov (piano). Varvara continues to perform in concerts presented by the Rostropovich Foundation.