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Jury members
Chairperson Maria Tuturilova, harp
The young harpist Mag. Maria Tuturilova is one of the new leading harpists on the current concert scene. As further recognition of her excellent skills, she has been officially listed in the encyclopedia “Who is Who Austria” since 2009 and has been awarded Austrian citizenship since December 2010.
Born in Sofia/ Bulgaria, she began her musical education at the age of 7 with the piano and later at the age of 11 with the harp.
International award-winning Harpist and teacher Mag. Maria Tuturilova holds 4 master's degree with distinction from the State Music Academy "Prof. P. Vladigerov” (2000): harp in the class of Prof. Malina Christova (student of the legendary Prof. Vera Dulova in Moscow), conducting, music pedagogy, piano and organ. 1999-2001 postgraduate degree for harp at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in the class of Univ. Prof. A. Blovsky-Miller (member of the Vienna State Opera). Completed numerous harp master classes in Europe (A. Fontaine, C. Popova, Prof. E. Witsenburg, A. Schinozaki, C. Michel, I. Moretti, I. I. Roncea, P. Tassini, J. Molnar, etc.).
As a concert harpist and harp teacher Mag. Maria Tuturilova has won prizes (Grand Prix and 1st prize) at over 55 international competitions and festivals for harp (Sofia, Beograd, Moscow, Munich, Italy, Argentina, Slovenia, Ireland, Spain, USA, Hong Kong, etc). Some of her students are also prize winners of various international competitions.
Mag. Tuturilova has received the following scholarships and other awards: International Foundation "Open Society Soros", Zonta International, Herbert von Karajan Center & Thyll-Dürr Foundation, Live Music Now “Yehudi Menuhin”, etc. Golden Badge for Achievements from the National Society “Mati Bolgaria”, Ministry of Culture of Republic Bulgaria, World Harp Congress Scholarship, etc.
Numerous CD recordings and film music (Ennio Morricone), TV and Radio live broadcasts, etc. Solo recitals, chamber music concerts. Regular soloist with "SOFIA SOLOISTS" Chamber Ensemble, chamber orchestra "EPOCH", chamber orchestra "TEMPI CONCERTATI", State Academic Symphonic Orchestra, Men's Choir "GUSLA", Sofia Women's Chamber Choir "Vassil Arnaoudov", etc. Orchestra concerts (Principal Harpist: 1st Private Orchestra for Film Music, New Symphonic Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic, ELO Electric Light Orchestra, Keyo Wagner Society Orchestra Tokyo, etc.) in Europe & USA, World Harp Congress, etc. under Maestros R. Milanov, E. Tabakov, P. Djurov, E. Morricone, K, Jarvi, A. Previn, M. Jurowski, D. Russell Davies, P. Boulez, etc.
2002-2008 solo harpist of the Vienna city hall, 2008-2010 solo pianist & harpist Imperial Riding School. Since 2003 regular substitute for the Tonkünstler Orchestra Lower Austria, RSO, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Vienna State Opera, Children's Opera and Philharmonie, Volksoper, Chamber Opera, etc.
For more information visit:
www.mariatuturilova.com
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqcuVZKAlUa/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Emanuela Degli Esposti, harp
Emanuela Degli Esposti, Harp Professor at the A.Boito Conservatory of Music in Parma, is Artistic Director of the International Contest and Festival "Suoni d’Arpa", Vice-president of the Association Conoscere la Musica and President of the Italian Harp Association. She studied harp with Prof. A.N.Schirinzi in Bologna Conservatory and at the Rubin Academy of Tel Aviv with Prof. J. Liber. She recorded several Album Fonit Cetra, Bottega Discantica and Tactus. As soloist, performed recitals in various Festivals in Italy and abroad, plays in duo and quartet with the harpist Ieuan Jones. She played as 1st harp in the orchestras of Florence, Milan and Naples RAI, Swiss Radio of Lugano, performing with conductors such as Berio, Chailly, Delman, Ficher, Kuhn, Inbal, Mehta, Muti, Oren, Prêtre, and won the 1stPrize at the international chamber music competitions at Stresa and Palmi. She published a book about C. P. E. Bach and publisheded UT Orpheus Edition music for harp which have been included in the programs of international harp competitions such as International Harp Contest in Israel, International American Harp Competition, Franz-Josef-Reinl International Harp Contest in Munich, International Harp Contest Suoni d'Arpa. She is Director of the Leonardo Primavera Harp Orchestra and has been jury member in international harp contests such as Israel (1998 and 2003), Munich (1999), M.Tournier (2009-2012), Belgrade (2014), Novi Sad (2017), Rencontres Internationales de la Harpe en Ile de France (2017), International Slovenian Harp Contest (2019), St.Petersburg Cristal Key Harp Contest (2019), Barcellona – Madrid Arpa Plus and International AEDA Contest (2021). She has helds international master classes and concerts at Assisi Umbria Festival, London Royal College, Lovere Tadini Academy, Belgrade Mokranjac Academy, Madrid Real Conservatorio Superior, Pipkov High School in Sofia, Riga Vītols Academy, Rio Harp Festival, Villa Medici-Giulini, Opera House of St.Petesburg, Feldkirch Stella Vorarlberg Hochschule.
https://www.emanueladegliesposti-harp.com/
Joy Yeh, harp
Dr. Joy Yeh (BM. UBC, MM. Yale, DM. Indiana) is the Professor and the Chair of the Harp Division of the Vancouver Academy of Music and a frequent judge at international music competitions and festivals
including the Canadian Music Competition, the Camac Prize International Harp Competition, the USA International Music Competition and has taught masterclasses in Asia and North America. Students from different countries were inspired by her passion to study with her, including France, Germany, Turkey, Iran, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. As a result, Dr. Yeh was awarded Teacher's Certificate of Recognition by the RCM for having her students score the highest marks in their examinations. To complete their training and résumés, her students are well-connected and active in performing with local art organizations like the Vancouver Bach Choir, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Efficiency, Passion and Precision are the three major components to Dr. Yeh's teaching. Her students have won medals at several international music competitions having just studied with her for 1-2 years with no previous musical background. Some parents described that being in her studio has been a “life transforming” experience for their children, as the kids grew dramatically in their confidence, artistry and concentration. At the Vancouver Academy of Music, Dr.Yeh has built the largest harp department in all Canadian Music conservatories. With
generous resources, the school celebrates events that involve several harp ensembles and youth orchestras, masterclasses and the annual VAM HarpFest which features more than 50 harps on stage.
Dr. Yeh believes in “leading by example”. Therefore, despite her busy teaching schedule, she insists on having an active performing career. She has been featured numerous times as a soloist with the
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the UBC Symphony Orchestra. She has played at Carnegie Hall, Kozertberlin, World Harp Congress (Canada and Hong Kong) and Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Germany. Her recordings can be heard on CBC Radio2, and she was interviewed by medias such as the Fairchild Radio FM96.1, CFJC Midday TV, Talentivision TV and their Evening News, Richmond Review and
Taste of Life Magazine. In the earlier years, Dr. Yeh was awarded the Canada Arts Council Grant for professional musician, twice by the British Columbia Arts Council and the Grand Prize winner of the
Vancouver Women's Musical Society Scholarship Competition, the UBC Concerto Competition, and First Place of the Burnaby Clef Concerto Competition, in which it was the only time a harpist was chosen as 1st
Prize Winner in the Burnaby Clef Society’s 25 year history.
![Andrija Blagojevic [Belgrade, 2018]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb976_5e504895da5444bda573323155150d8b~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_128,y_0,w_2254,h_2254/fill/w_160,h_160,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/Andrija%20Blagojevic%20%5BBelgrade%2C%202018%5D_edited.jpg)
Andrija Blagojević, clarinet
Serbian clarinettist Andrija Blagojević (b. 1981 in Kruševac, Serbia) is an associate professor of clarinet at the University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica and serves as the International Clarinet Association Country Chairperson for Serbia, European Clarinet Association Board member and the president of the Board of Directors of the National Serbian Clarinet Association.
Blagojević performed as a soloist and member of various ensembles and lectured throughout Serbia, as well as in Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Poland and Spain, and was a jury member in the clarinet and chamber music sections at the international competitions held in Serbia and Bulgaria.
Blagojević has published clarinet-related articles in various journals: The Clarinet (USA), Clarinet & Saxophone (UK), ‘rohrblatt (Germany) and Putevi kulture (Serbia).
Andrija Blagojević studied the clarinet with Mihajlo Avramović, Tomislav Nikolić and Milenko Stefanović. During his studies, Blagojević was awarded numerous awards, including the Distinguished Student Award by the Chancellor of the University of Priština, and a grant by the Kingdom of Norway, awarded to the selected best students of the Republic of Serbia. Following his postgraduate studies, Blagojević started his university career as an assistant to Professor Milenko Stefanović, the soloist and former longtime principal clarinettist of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2010 Blagojević became the first Serbian clarinettist accepted into the membership of the European Clarinet Association, having been previously the founder of the Serbian section of the International Clarinet Association. The ICA president, Dr. John Cipolla, remarked, “Through all my interactions with Mr. Blagojevic, he has displayed nothing but the highest professional standards. He has opened opportunities for students and professionals in this region of the world (…). I am very impressed by both the quality and volume of his work and contributions.”
Zhanat Yermanov, clarinet
The Artistic Characterization
Yermanov Zhanat Rahmetulinovich was born in February 28, 1965, Bayan-Aul area of Pavlodar region, Alexander farm.
Education
1984, graduated with honors from Ust-Kamenogorsk School of Music.
1991, graduated from KNC named by Kurmangazy.
1993, finished graduate studies at the KNC named by Kurmangazy.
1997, graduated from the European Academy of Music named by Mozart, Poland.
2000, graduated from the International Summer Music Academy in Nice, France.
2001, graduated from the International Summer Academy of Music in the Prado, France.
2002, graduated from KNC named by Kurmangazy, specialty opera and symphony conducting.
Certificates, diplomas and medals
1. Diploma 1st degree. V National Competition for Young Performers. Ministry of Culture, Almaty 1983
2. Diploma 3rd degree. Competition for Wind and Percussion instruments of the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Almaty. April 1990 the State Culture Committee of Kazakhstan SSR.
3. Diploma 1st degree. I international contest of wind and percussion instruments from central Asia, Azerbaijan, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan. Ministry of Culture. Union of Musicians. State Conservatory named by Kurmangazy, Almaty, 1994
4. In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on May 7, 2002 was awarded the anniversary medal "Kazakhstan Respublikasynyn Karula Kushterne 10 zhyl" Astana. 08/05/2002
5. Diploma. Education Foundation by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. For the great artistic achievements in art. Director of the Fund. D.Kulibaev. The city of Almaty. May 17, 2003
6. Certificate of Merit. For an excellent job in educating the young musicians, and due to Teachers' Day. RSSMSHI named by K. Baiseitova. 03.10.2003
7. Due to the 60th anniversary of the KNC named by Kurmangazy for outstanding achievements in the education of youth and concert activities Yermanov Z.R, was awarded the honorary title of "Madeniet қayratkerі."
8. For his great contribution to the development of performing arts and the creation of a state woodwind quintet by Presidential Decree of December 4, 2009, he was awarded the honorary title "Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan."
9. In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated December 7, 2011, was awarded the anniversary medal "20 years of independence, Republic of Kazakhstan".
He actively gives concerts, combining it with teaching being an associate professor at KNC named by Kurmangazy. His concerts were successfully held in Vienna, Riga, Moscow, Budapest, Warsaw, Krakow, Prague, Marseille, Seoul, Bangkok, London and Odessa. He improves his level of performance, playing music and communicating on joint concerts with such artists like Michelle Letek, Francois Leleu, Ana Casian, Jean Hyenas Keyras, Frederick Baron, John Thomson, Corrado Giuffredi, David Valter and others.
He has a number of scientific and methodological works. Many of his graduates are the laureates of international competitions and working in various musical groups within The Republic of Kazakhstan and beyond.
Currently he heads the department of wind and percussion instruments KNC named by Kurmangazy, the artistic director of the state woodwind quintet created by him
Maia Sepp, piano
Maia Sepp was born in 1985 in Tallinn (Estonia). She received her first piano lessons at the music school for gifted children «K. Baisseitow» in Almaty, Kazakhstan in the class of T.Abilchairova. 2003 she graduated this school with the distinction under the direction of famous pianist Prof. Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova, who had a great influence on the formation of pianist’s personality. At the age of eight, she gave her first public concert, the first concert of Ludwig van Beethoven, with the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 1999 she was the youngest participant at the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg and the 3rd prizewinner at the International Piano Competition in Naples. The following year she reached the finals of the International Piano Competition in Jurmala (Latvia) and in 2002 attended the International Bach Piano Competition in Leipzig. She is also prizewinner of the annual Festival of the President Nursultan Nazarbaevs Education Foundation.
From 2003 to 2008 she studied at the Moscow State Conservatory named after Tchaikowsky, where she graduated with honors in the class of Prof. A.Mndoyants. Since 2010 she has continued her musical education at the master's degree with famous pianist Prof. Dr. h.c. Kalle Randalu at the Academy of Music in Karlsruhe (Germany). In 2012 she graduated her master degree with honors and in 2015 - her soloist studies with honors.
In 2009 Maia Sepp was the 1st Prizewinner at the 3rd International Piano Competition in Wien (Austria) and the semi-finalist of the 5th International Piano Competition in Lyon. In 2013 she was the 1st Prizewinner at the International Wolfgang-Rihm-Competition in Karlsruhe (Germany) and at the International Piano Competition Concours Musical de France in Paris. In 2017 she was the 2nd Prizewinner at the XVIII International Maria Yudina Piano Competition in Saint Petersburg (Russia). In 2018 she was 4th Prizewinner at the V Tatjana Gaydamovich Chamber Music Competition in Magnitogorsk (Russia).
Maia Sepp leads an active concert career and performed in Moskau (Rubinstein Museum, P. Slobodkin’s concert hall, Rachmaninov Hall), in Tallinn (Estland), in Kasachstan (Almaty, Astana, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Karaganda), in France (Paris, Wissembourg), in Germany (Karlsruhe, Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, Ettlingen), in Italy (Finale Ligure). She performed with such orchestras as the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Symphony Orchestra, Latvian Chamber Orchestra, Karlsruhe Chamber Orchestra, Baden-Baden Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
In 2015 Maia Sepp won a prestigious scholarship from the Cultural Foundation of Baden-Württemberg (Germany). The grant supports promising young artists. In 2015 Maia Sepp recorded her first solo CD with Sonate B-Dur D960 of Schubert and “Davidsbündlertänze” of Schumann at the record company “Hofa” in Germany. Since 2016 she is a soloist at the Kazakh State Zhambyl Philharmonic and piano teacher at the Piano department of Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory.
Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova, piano
Professor Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova is an exceptional and outstanding authority in the modern piano art of Kazakhstan. Because of her international success and numerous awards she is regarded as one of the best piano players of Kazakhstan. Due to her outstanding performance she was awarded with the title “People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. Her name first became widely known in 1980 when the young musician won the First prize at the 31st Viotti International Competition in Italy. Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova became the first pianist of Kazakhstan awarded the highest international recognition.
According to the contest conditions, the winner was entitled to ten solo concerts in various cities of Italy, and Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova’s performances were a triumphant success everywhere. In their excited reviews musical critics unanimously recognized the emergence of a new bright artistic name, called her a “great pianist”, “pianist of international class”, “tiger of a fingerboard”, emphasized her extraordinary musicality coupled with the “dizzying technique”, noted her “perfect performance” of the works being part of a program of her performances, compared her play with the outstanding artists of the XX century: Ciccolini, Berman and Cziffra.
The time after the contest was marked for the pianist with continuous artistic perfection.
With her inherent persuasiveness of interpretations, she performs works by Scarlatti and Bach, Mozart and Schubert, Beethoven and Brahms, Chopin and Schumann, Rakhmaninov and Prokofiyev, Shostakovich and Gubaidulina. Her extensive repertoire covers all musical periods and styles. Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova is also an active promoter of the works of Kazakh composers: G. Zhubanova, N. Mendygaliyev, T. Kazhgaliyev.
Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova was born in Alma-Ata. She received her initial musical education in the Republican Special Music School named after K. Baiseitova, from which she graduated in the class of Associate Professor Lyudmila Ivanovna Oshkukova. She graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I. Chaikovskiy and post-graduate school under the direction of Honored Artist of the RSFSR, Professor Gleb Borisovich Axelrod, who had a great influence on the formation of the pianist’s personality.
The high musical culture, honed skills, generosity of her performing style, extraordinary artistic charm and spirituality of the performance – all these qualities brought wide recognition to the pianist.
As a soloist of the Kazakh State Philharmonia named after Dzhambul, Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova lifted a huge collection of complex works of the world’s piano literature both in the performances with orchestra and in solo and chamber music concerts. Her recent concerts include such works as Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand d-moll, Beethoven’s Fantasy for Piano, Orchestra and Chorus C-dur, Concerto No. 5 and Triple Concerto, Chopin’s Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, Brahms’s Concerto No. 1, Chaikovskiy’s Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, Rakhmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Gershwin’s Concerto in D Major, Poulenc’s Concerto for two pianos. Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova constantly gives concerts both in her native country and abroad with well-known orchestras and conductors such as the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dm. Kitayenko, Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by O. Balan, Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra, State Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan, etc.
After her success at the contest, Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova gave a series of concerts in Italy and participated in the XX International Music Festival in Stresa with M. Rostropovich, V. Ashkenazi and A.-S. Mutter, where she gave a solo concert, which the reviewers called “magic”. Kadyrbekova’s performance at the festival of young performers “Interforum” in Hungary left a “very good impression”, as it was noted in the press. Her concerts in the best halls of Moscow were a huge success (Hall named after Chaikovskiy, Conservatory Small Hall), St. Petersburg (Great Hall of Philharmonia named after Shostakovich), Rome and Turin (conservatory halls), Vienna, Paris (Debussy Hall in Pleyel, Cortot Hall in the Ecole Normale), Tunisia, Ankara (University Concert Hall), Istanbul (Ayia Irini Hall), the cities of the Baltic states and the Caucasus, etc.
In 1981, the pianist recorded a solo album with the Second Sonata b-moll of Rakhmaninov, “Scherzo and March” and “The Forgotten Waltz No. 1” of Liszt at the record company “Melody” in Moscow.
In 2015 Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova recorded all Impromptus of Schubert at the record company “Hofa” in Germany.
Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova is in the prime of her creative powers, at the stage, when a person combines gained experience, performing maturity and its usual idea of searching. This is reflected in her concert programs, which are always substantial, attracting with their wide range, as well as in the interpretation of the works performed – the ability to give them a live and direct feeling, to speak the language of music sincerely and with emotion. The harmonious relationship of the emotional and intellectual beginning is a characteristic feature of the pianist’s performing image. Her play attracts with its integrity and credibility of the interpretation coming from a deep comprehension of the author’s intention. A wide range of dynamic gradations also draws attention, in which the noble-sounding and very powerful forte stands out. One of the advantages of Gulzhamilya Kadyrbekova is her developed sense and skillful use of the timbre and coloristic capabilities of the instrument. Talent, intelligence, desire of grace communication with the public – this is a key to achieving new heights by the pianist.
Elena Sharova, piano
Sharova Elena is a pianist, a full-time teacher of special piano at the Chil-dren's Art School named after
E. A. Mravinsky in St. Petersburg.
A gradu-ate of the Gorky Conservatory named after M. I. Glinka in the piano class.
He conducts active competitive, concert, educational and methodological activities, has students-laureates, including winners of the Grand Prix, In-ternational and national competitions.
Tatiana Chistyakova, piano
Tatiana Chistyakova was born in Moscow in a family of musicians. She began to study piano at the age of six at the Children’s Art School named after S. T. Richter (class teacher E. Chistyakova). Throughout her studies at the school, she regularly participated in concerts and competitions. The winners in the youth competitions “Hope” (1996), “Young Talents of Muscovy” (1998), the performance with the orchestra of a concert by I. S. Bach d-moll in the Great Hall of the Kaluga Philharmonic Hall, the first solo concert in two parts in Reutov became significant and participation in the Advendikontsert International Festival in Estonia. Since 2001, she studied at college, and then at the GMPI them. Ippolitova-Ivanova, who graduated with honors in 2011. All the years she studied in the class of professor, member of the Union of Composers of Moscow, laureate of international competitions Aida Petrovna Isakova. She continued her further education at the Incontri col maestro International Piano Academy (Imola, Italy), classes of professors V. Ashkenazi, A. Kravchenko, B.V. Petrushansky. Tatyana took part in master classes by such famous professors as V.K. Merzhanov, M.V. Filippov, V. Chuchkov, A. Kurtev, V.V. Mishchuk, R. Rizaliti, K. Pari, A. A. Pisarev, I. Glinka, D. Masleev. In the summer of 2004 she participated in master classes and concerts at the Margess International creative school in Switzerland. Tatiana Chistyakova is a laureate and diploma winner of more than twenty international competitions in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the USA. Among them: International Competition in Odessa (Grand Prix), «Musica classica» in Ruza, «Great Teachers» in Bulgaria, named after S. V. Rachmaninov in St. Petersburg, «Premio Pianistico Euterpe», «Pietro Argento», « Citta di Pesaro «,» Citta di Fasano «,» Anemos «,» Don Vincenzo Vitti «,» Paolo Serrao «,» Lia Tortora «,» Citta di Barletta «,» Citta di Caraglio «in Italy, Ibiza International Piano Competition , «Contemporary Art and Education», «Talents of the New Century» in Moscow, etc. Tatiana regularly gives solo concerts and in various compositions in the halls of Russia, Italy (including at the MiTo festival), Holland, Kazakhstan, Greece, and Bulgaria. She collaborated with orchestras under the direction of A. Vorontsov, I. Kazhdan, G. Aravidis, A. Khurgin, A. Istomin. Since 2011 - a participant in the programs of the St. Petersburg House of Music under the leadership of S.P. Roldugin. Since 2014, collaborates with the concert agency Classics Concert. Since 2015, regularly takes part in the jury of various competitions, such as the European competition «Don Matteo Colucci», (Fasano, Italy)., International Piano Competition. Aida Isakova (Aiz Almaty, Kazakhstan), the Internet contest «Music Prospect», «Mediterraneo competition» (Bari, Italy), the Art Academy (Kyrgyzstan), the 1st All-Russian Piano Competition «MariaFest» and others. Conducts master classes in Russia and Italy. Since 2017, she is the art director of the Artist creative association. Since 2018 - Member of the World Piano Teachers Association. In November 2018, she performed at Carnegie Hall (New York, USA) Has recordings on the radio «Orpheus», «Russian World». In 2015, a CD was released recording the popular works of P.I. Tchaikovsky in transcription for piano by A. Isakova.
Dinara Aidarkhanova, piano
Associate Professor of the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy
A graduate of the Alma-Ata State Conservatory named after Kurmangazy (now the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy) in special piano. In the same place she completed an assistantship-internship in the specialty "piano" in the class of Professor Anna Lvovna Sapozhnikova. After graduating from the conservatory, to this day she works within the walls of her native educational institution.
For many years of work within the walls of the conservatory, she was engaged in performing, pedagogical, and administrative activities.
Among the favorite authors performed in the concert programs were the works of the Viennese classics, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, modern and Kazakh composers and other authors.
Today, she is fully focused on teaching. Among the graduates of the class there are Laureates of Republican and International competitions. Graduates of the class work in Germany, Mongolia, China, Russia, France and, of course, in Kazakhstan.
In her work at a music school, she combines the skills of a professional and an administrative manager.
She tries to instill in students a creative orientation in work, a reverent attitude to the profession and a great love for music.
Darinka Todorov, piano
I work as a pianist, professor, accompanist and chamber musician, performing mostly classical music. As a piano professor I work almost 37 years at music school "Stanislav Binički" - Belgrade.
During a long career, as chamber musician, I cooperated with musicians from Sweden, Finland, Serbia etc. On International piano competition in Novi Sad (Serbia), and other domestic competitions I was a jury member. In National theatre - Belgrade I was working on opera "Salome" and cooperating with German conductor Johanes Harneit. For about 15 years, Svetozar Vujic - double bass, and I perform and play together, as a chamber duo "DiS". Among other concerts, we had recitals in Belgrade -Serbia, on BASS CONGRES 2016. - PRAGUE, BASS CONGRES 2018. - LUCCA - ITALY, at ISB Convention 2019. - Bloomington - USA. Our most recent concert was at 10.03.2021. - Historical musem - Belgrade - online streaming.
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Elena Saveleva, piano
Elena Saveleva – Honored Artist of Russia (2005). Professor of the Piano Accompaniment Department and the Head of the Postgraduate Department of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1998 – present), Elena is a graduate of the Piano Department and Postgraduate assistant traineeship program where she studied in the class of Professor L.N. Naumov. In 2002–2021, she acted as the Deputy Artistic Director for Education of Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center. Elena is a visiting Professor at Kurashiki Sakuyo University (Japan). Elena has appeared as a jury member of various international piano and vocal competitions: International Piano Competition in Taiwan (2002); Jan Norvil Competition (Latvia, 2015, 2016, 2017); International Competition Voci Verdiane (Bussetto, Italy, 2006), Glinka International Vocal Contest (Moscow, 2014), Sviridov International Chamber Singing Competition (Kursk, Russia 2012, 2015, 2017, 2021). Advocating continuous promotion of young artists in classical music, she is the Artistic Director of the 1st International Competition for Young Musicians dedicated to the 100th anniversary of postgraduate and assistant traineeship programs of Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (2023).
Elena Saveleva's recording credits include multiple live and studio performances on radio and television. Among hallmark releases are two CDs with Rubinstein-Trio (2002) and a 2CD set with music of Georgy Sviridov (2014). Her latest albums with soprano Lyubov Petrova – “Sergei Rachmaninoff. Romances” and “S. Prokofiev. Chamber-vocal and Piano Works: “Hello!” – were released in 2019–2020. The Rachmaninoff album was recognized with the 1st prize at II International “Pure Sound” Award for the best audio recording of works of Russian academic music in the nomination Chamber-vocal Music (2021).
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Moscow Conservatory, she received the Silver Badge of Honors award (2016). Elena is a winner of the City of Moscow Awards in the field of Literature and Arts (2017).
She actively tours in Russia and abroad performing in collaboration with leading soloists of Moscow and St. Petersburg opera theaters, Moscow State Academic Philharmonic Society, the Russian Verdi Society, the National Foundation for Cultural Development and Intellectual Property Protection ('New Peredvizhnichestvo'), the International Charity Foundation "New Names" and the Charitable Foundation of Support for the Music Art "Elena Obraztsova Foundation". Elena is a Member of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA Russia) and the International Federation of Musicians.
Elena authored and designed educational music projects "There, beyond the Milky Hills …" All chamber-vocal works of Georgy Sviridov," "In Memory of Outstanding Singers" (Galina Vishnevskaya, Irina Arkhipova, Elena Obraztsova), “Moscow of the Opera” (2020–2021) – of which she is the Artistic Director and a permanent participant. Elena is the founding creator and author of unique artistic initiatives celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sergei Rachmanonoff’s birth. “Operas by S.V.” is among her latest projects that take place in the Museum-manor S.V. Rachmaninoff in Ivanovka, Russia (2023).
Natalia Lezedova, piano
Natalia Lezedova (pianist) - is a graduate of the Musical Faculty of the State Pedagogical University of Russia, and she also has postgraduate studies in "Musical Art" (2012). She attended an advanced training course from the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory (2013). She is also a laureate of five international competitions, among them: two first prizes as a performer-soloist (Saint-Petersburg and Moscow 2012), winner of the Grand-Prix music festival competition “Severnaya Venetsia” (2012) and first prize laureate as a concertmaster (Music Competition in Performing Arts in St. Petersburg, 2013). In recent years she has arranged many concerts in Cyprus, most of them for charity, and she has collaborated with musicians from Russia, Cyprus, Italy, French, Germany and UK.
Jury member of 3rd Avaton Young Performer Competition (Cyprus, Limassol, 2016), and 2023 S.E. Aphrodite Voice International, Competition, (Cyprus)
Founder and artistic director of Pancyprian Instrumental Music Youth Festival «Young Orpheus».
Yunice Tham Mei Shen, piano
●Awarded The Degree Of BACHELOR OF ARTS In University Of
Northumbria At Newcastle
●Founder / Artistic Director In DE MUSIC BOX Since 2005 (19 years)
●Certify Piano Examination In The Associated Board Of The Royal
Schools Of Music London
●Certify Theory Examination In The Associated Board Of The Royal
Schools Of Music London
●Certify Theory Of Music Examination DISTINCTION In London College
Of Music Examinations In Thames Valley University
●Certify Vocal Examination In Music Performances In Trinity
College London
●Jury Member At Malaysia Junior Got Talent 2019
●Certify Of Honorary Teacher In The 5th Hong Kong International
Youth Performing Arts Festival 2017
●Certify Of Honorary Teacher In Southeast Asia (Sea) 2020
●Invitation For The Professional International Jury In Music And
Stars Awards 2020/2021/2022/2023
●Features In The Music And Stars Magazine " THE MAGAZINE"
●Invitation For The Cyprus International Music Competition's Jury
Member at 2022 & 2023
●Professional Piano / Vocal / Music Of Theory Educator
●Professional Rhythmic Gymnastic Coach From Geomatika University
Dominika Eska, piano
Dominika Eska Polish pianist, pedagogue, composer, graduated with honors from the Academies of Music in Kraków, Warsaw, Łódź, and the Universities of Music in Wien and Graz (Austria). Nominated for the
honorable title of "Personality of the Year" in the category of culture for 2022. Professor of piano class Jasna Góra Secondary Music School in Częstochowa Poland. Lecturer of piano workshops at Music High Schools in Poland. Her graduates are already students of many Music Academies in Poland and abroad. She has been a member of the Polish-Austrian Society for many years and represents Poland and Austria artistically in two countries.
She has many piano successes to his credit, e.g. in national and international Piano Competitions in Poland and abroad: e.g. in Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, the prestigious 1st Prize in the International M .Magina in Paris, laureate of Piano Competitions in Japan, Austria and Sweden. Semi-finalist of the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 2005. She has released two solo albums with music by Chopin, Mozart and Liszt, as well as her own compositions for solo piano. In 2013, the pianist received the honorable title of the Regional Quality Mark of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship in the category of culture.
She participated in the prestigious piano academy VIENNA INTERNATIONAL PIANISTS ACADEMY in the capital of Austria, gaining her artistry many times and giving concerts.
For 22 years she regularly collaborates with Vienna and Graz in Austria, belonging to the Vienna International Pianists community of the best pianists in the world. She is a multiple winner of the scholarship of the Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and the President of the City of Toruń. She is also a scholarship holder of the Prof. Regina Smendzianka and the Ministry of Culture and Art. She has performed in all important cities of the country, both solo and with orchestras, as well as in Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Russia, Japan, Italy,
Bulgaria and Scotland. She has recorded both piano recitals and occasional interviews for Polish and foreign media.
She performed during the Probaltica Baltic Countries Festival in Toruń in 2018. 38 years of artistic piano work, 20 years of composition and 14 years of teaching. She has over 70 solo piano pieces to his credit. In January and December 2022 and in June 2023 she went on tour in the south of Poland and in Vienna (Austria). In March, a tour in central Poland.
Soon more concerts and masterclasses in Poland, Austria and other countries.
Violet Wong, piano, trumpet
Violet Wong, the music creative, as a pianist, trumpet player and teacher. Violet started playing the classical piano at 6 and she has been teaching different aged groups of students, she has extensive experience in teaching for over ten years, specialising in children and teenagers. Her students were awarded different competitions such as Hong Kong Music Festivals and Hong Kong Youth International Youth Performance Art Festivals. and recently, her students won the Second place and awarded distinction in Bristol Festival of Music, Drama and Speech 2023.
Ten years ago, Violet started her music career after being awarded the Talent Development Scholarship by HKSAR. Over these years, she achieved herself both teaching and performing. She attained Trinity ATCL Piano in the same year. Since 2014, Violet has served as a trumpet player in the Hong Kong Civil Aid Service (Band Company) and is well-trained in marching music. She has performed at different official functions including Officer Mess Dinners, New Recruit Passing Out Ceremonies etc. She was awarded the "Best Progress Member of the Year" and Commander's Commendation twice respectively. In 2017 and 2019, she sought guidance from Alexandr Smutny, a renowned trumpet player from the Czech Republic, further enhancing her skills. Since 2017, Violet has engaged in performances and collaborations with local musicians in Hong Kong. One notable experience was her participation in the Annual Dinners of the Federation of Australian Alumni Association, leaving a lasting impression on her. Apart from music performance, she also experienced making her music in videos and recording as film production.
In 2020, Violet's music journey took her from Hong Kong to London and Bristol. She provided piano accompaniment for choirs at St. Martin in the Fields and St. Mary Woodford, respectively. She also contributed her talents to brass bands such as the South London Wind Ensemble, the University of Bristol Brass Band (2021/2022), and the Long Ashton Orchestra. Notably, she participated in Unibrass 2022 in Sheffield. In the same year, she achieved Merit in the exam by herself.
Last year, while continuing her teaching and performing career, Violet embarked on her MA in Music Performance at Bath Spa University. During this time, she participated in Sparkfest 2023, a funded project by the school which was titled “Impressions and Expression: La Cathedrale Engloutie”. This unique underwater filming project marked Violet's first professional music endeavour. Together with ideas of music visualisation and Debussy's music ideas, She rearranged the music with different percussion instruments , infusing it with her inspiration. It is possible that her musical creations will receive recognition at upcoming film festivals. In the coming days , she aims to continue her education career and perform her advanced standard of piano and trumpet together in different countries.
Jasna Đurović, piano
Jasna Đurović, Bosnia and Herzegovina/Serbia, (1974) was born in Banja Luka, where she completed primary music education in Banja Luka(music school “Vlado Milosevic”) in the class of prof. Branka Kuzmanović, and secondary music school in Zemun (Serbia) in the music school "Kosta Manojlović", in the class of prof. Tanja Jablanović. She graduated from the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka 2002, in the class of prof. Nevena Popović. She was a scholarship holder of the "Petar Kočić" Fund, which is awarded to students with the highest grade point average. She performed as a soloist in chamber ensembles during her studies. She held a solo concert at the National Theater of Republika Srpska (2002), as well as a concert of the piano duo with her colleague Dijana Zrnić in the Banski dvor City Hall in 1999. During her studies, she recorded works by Edvard Grieg and Sergei Rachmaninoff for the needs of the Radio Television of Republika Srpska. She is a semifinalist of the International piano competition Grand Concerteum in Athens in 2000 in the discipline of piano duo. However, she shows the greatest affinities for piano pedagogy, as evidenced by the numerous successes of her students, both in the country and abroad. She was also a member of the jury at many piano competitions in Serbia (Sabac, Belgrade, Kragujevac, Smederevo) and Bosnia and Herzegovina( Bijeljina, Banja Luka,Sarajevo,Brcko District, Prijedor). Her students were awarded by the home school "Vlado Milosevic" as the most successful.She trained at numerous master classes with eminent piano pedagogues and pianists such as Nevena Popović, Aleksandar Serdar, Nataša Veljković, Maria Nemcova, Vladimir Milošević, Arbo Valdma . She also worked as a demonstrator accompanist at the Academy of Arts, Department of Dramatic Arts. She also collaborated with the National Theater of Republika Srpska in the play "How to make your master laugh", directed by our famous director Kokan Mladenović, where she played musicians permeated the entire play.She is the co-founder and the idea holder of the first piano competition in BiH, the "Banja Luka Biennale". She held a master piano course for students of the elementary school "Marcos Portugal" in Doboj in 2006. as well as the music workshop "Viva la musica", for students of primary and secondary music schools, 2019, 2020,2021, 2022 and 2023. which was supported by the Cultural Center Banski dvor. She has 29 years of work experience in piano pedagogy behind her. She collaborates with the many pianists and piano artists.She held a piano duo recital She returned to the music scene with a solo performance at the concert of the professor of the music school "Vlado Milosevic" in December 2020. She also performed as a guest at the concert of pianist Borko Milojković in Belgrade, in the Artget Gallery of the Cultural Center Belgrade, where she performed with him in a piano duo. She was a guest on Radio Television of Republika Srpska, ELTA TV and Alternative Television. She held a piano duo recital with her colegue Borko Milojković at the Cultural center Banski dvor in Banja Luka (2021) .Her new currently piano duo anssamble is with respectable pianist and piano professor Marija Godjevac from Belgrade. The goal of her work is to nurture and direct young talents and promising young artists to engage in art music and to preserve its traditional values through public performances, concerts, piano competitions. Recently, she is active in the field of concert activities. She is currently employed at a music school "Vlado Milošević"in Banja Luka( Bosnia and Herzegovina) as a piano and chamber music professor in primary and secondary music school.
Anastasia Dedik, piano
Anastasia Dedik is a concert pianist, educator and founder of Prima Music Foundation. Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia to a family of distinguished musicians, Anastasia graduated from The Saint
Petersburg Conservatory in 2004 and moved to the United States tocontinue her education at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Juilliard School on full talent scholarships. Anastasia has won over 10
International piano competitions, received various international awards,
performed in 22 States and abroad.
Anastasia’s début solo CD was recorded at a live recital in Recco, Italy and was released by GPM Records in 2008. Additional recordings include “Piano” which features solo works by Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky; “Akimenko,” which premieres works for piano and violin by Ukrainian composer Theodore Akimenko and Prima Trio CD. Additionally, she manages a busy performing and teaching schedule. As founder of Prima Music Academy Music School in NYC she oversees students who have been recipients of various prizes and awards including performances at Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, and Seoul Conservatory. Anastasia is an Artistic Director of Summer Concert Series at Ventfort Hall in Berkshires and “Rising Stars” Piano Camp, which is held at Berkshire Music School, where Anastasia is on faculty.
Anastasia is also President and an Artistic Director of Prima Music Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, which supports young talents and provides scholarships to students from under-represented
communities. Anastasia is currently a candidate to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Maria Romanova, conductor
Moscow-Genoa
Citizenship: Russia-Italy
Qualification:
- in music theory at the Gnesin State College of Music (2000)
2000 - 2006: Moscow State Tchaikovskiy Conservatory, Master Degree in composition, teachers:
professor Tchaikovskiy Alexander Vladimirovich (composition), Voronzov Yuriy Vasilievich
(composition), Buzkо Yuriy Markovich (Instrumentation), professor Shtegman Igor Pavlovich
(orchestra conducting).
2010-2012: Classical Music Institute of Claudio Abbado (Scuola Civica), orchestra conducting,
teacher: professor Renato Rivolta.
2016 – 2018: Moscow State Institute of Culture, Master Degree in orchestra conducting, teacher:
professor Tkachenko Yuriy Mihailovich, specialization in plectrum orchestra (honors degree).
2018-2020 Moscow State Institute of Culture, Master Degree in orchestra conducting, teacher:
professor Tkachenko Yuriy Mihailovich, specialization in symphony orchestra and lyric opera
conducting (honors degree)
Thesis:
”The development of the performing arts of the orchestra conducting at the University"
"The improving of the performing skills of the students of the lyric opera and the symphony
orchestra conducting".
Articles at the shientific journals:
"Humanity space"
"The world of science, culture and education"
”Aeterna”
The Memberships:
She is actually the member of the Russian Union of the musicians, the Center of the Contemporary
Music in Milan (Centro di musica contemporanea di Milano). She was the guest jury member of
many international music competitions in Italy, such as: ”Città di Fasano”, “Città di Crispiano”,
“Città di Ostuni”, “M. Ravel composers contest ”. She was the member of the jury of the
international competition of R. Glier in Moscow. From 2021 she is the member of the Uninion of
the composers of the Russian Federation. From 2021 she is the member of Artistic Council of the
"International Youth Philharmonic of the Future" (Moscow, Russia)
Awards: She was awarded by the University of the Free Time of Fasano (Italy) "with the deep
gratitude and friendship."
Collaborations with the orchestras as a conductor:
- Orchestra of G. Verdi (Milan, Italy), 2010-2012
- “Streicher ensemble” from the orchestra "Berliner Symphoniker" (Berlin, Germany)
- 2013 - orchestra “I pomeriggi musicali” (Milan, Italy), 2011-2012
- Philharmonic Orchestra of City of Piacenza (Italy), 2010
- “Study of New Music” (Moscow, Russia), 2006
- Orchestra of the Conservatory of G. Verdi (Turin, Italy), 2007-2009
- Orchestra of Conservatory of N. Paganini (Genoa, Italy), 2016
- lyric opera choir “Cycnus opera festival”, Genova, Italy, 2010-2011
- lyric opera and symphohy orchestra studio of the Moscow Institute of the Culture, 2019.
- “Edles ensemble”, baroque music (Moscow, Russia), 2015-2023
- Chamber string orchestra (artistic director - O. G. Svistunov (Moscow, 2021)
- From 2021 conductor of the "International Youth Philharmonic of the Future" (Moscow, Russia)
- conducted an orchestra of 20 oboes and an orchestra of double basses (2022)
- chief conductor of the opera "Norma" by Bellini at the "Opera Bellissima" theater, Moscow,
(2023)
Collaboration with music agencies:
2019-2021: Vida Art management (Switzerland)
Conducting competitions:
Winner of the R. Glier international competition, Moscow, 2018, I prize
Winner of the international "Caspi Art" competition, Turkey, 2018, II prize.
International “Avis” competition, I prize, Moscow, Russia, 2021.
Masterclasses:
2010 - choral conducting masterclass with Maestro Alexandro Caesar Carillo (Caracas,
Venezuela).
2007-2013: She studied the symphonic, opera and choral conducting at the Conservatory of
G. Verdi of Turin, Conservatory of G. Verdi of Milan, the Institute of Classical Music of
C. Abbado, European Conducting Academy of Berlin with R. Gessi and L. Shambadal.
2018 - Masterclass with Vasily Petrenko, Moscow
2018 - Masterclass with Simone Fermani, Moscow
2019 - “Cumbre mundial de directores de orchestra” with maestro Fransisco Navarro Lara, Huelva,
Spain, 2019.
From May 1 to May 8, 2021 she held the 1st Russian masterclass of lyric opera and symphony
orchestra conducting for women in Shepsi (Sochi, Russia)
Scholarships:
She won the scholarship from the Ministry of the Culture of Rome for studying the composition in
Genoa (2004).
Composition competitions:
She is winner of national and international competitions such as:
- “The Art's Forum” (former USSR),
- ”The World of Pushkin”,
- "The International meetings of young musicians in Moscow",
- "Orpheus. The mystery of the 21st Century ”,
- international competition of the composers for organ (the international organ festival of
M. Tariverdiev),
- international competiton "The choral laboratory of the XXI Century” (St. Petersburg, 2012),
- international competition "Donne in musica”, (Serbia, 2015),
- international competition "Tactus forum" for young composers (Brussels / Mons, Belgium, 2015),
- finalist of ”Keuris Composers Contest ” (2016, the Netherlands),
“World Music Competition” (Perrenoud foundation), semifinalist, Vienna (Austria)
– la Vilavella, Castellon (Spain), 2019,
- special prize of the international competition for composers and arrangers of I. Dunayevsky
"Challenge of Time" for the creation of the collective opera "Journalist" (Moscow, 2021).
CD's:
- In the collaboration with Center of the Contemporary Music of Milan as the project "Archives of
music of the XXI century" the CD's was realised with the pieces "Bela" for orchestra and
"The dream inspired by the flight of the bumblebee the second before awakening up” for violin and
piano inspired by painting of S. Dali (2013/2015).
- In collaboration with the Arsonic (Mons, Belgium) the CD was realised with the composition
"The Seasons. The Symphony of the singing Trees" (Les sons d'Arsonic 2015-2016).
music publishers:
- cooperation with the publishing house ”Musician Classic”, 2016
- book about the composer: ”The Young Russian Composers”, 2010
outstanding premieres:
Her orchestral work "Bela" was performed by united orchestras of Bolshoi and Maly
theaters in Moscow (2013).
José Antonio Méndez Padrón, conductor
Graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte de Cuba in Choral Conducting with María Felicia Pérez and Orchestra Conducting with Jorge López Marín. He has participated in postgraduate courses at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg with Jorge Rotter and Peter Gülke and at the Carnigie Mellon School of Music in Pittsburgh and the Jacobs School of Music in Indiana with Ronald Zollman. Since 2009, he has been principal conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica del ISA attached to the Lyceum Mozartiano de La Habana and since 2016 of the Orquesta del Lyceum de la Habana, with which he has made concert tours and participated in events such as the Mozartwoche in Salzburg, Rheingau Musik Festival, Young Euro Classic Berlin, Festival de Música Sacra de Quito, the Festival de Música Sacra de Mérida and the Festival Artes de Cuba at the Kennedy Center Washington. In 2012, he was appointed Associate Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba and in 2018 Chief Conductor of the Matanzas-Cuba Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted the Camerata Salzburg, Salzburg Soloists, Georgetown Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated on several occasions with important soloists such as Renaud Capuçon, Gérard Caussé, Clemens Hagen, Niurka González, Sarah Willis, Jonathan Kelly, Wenzel Fuchs, Stefan Schweigert, Virginie Robillard.
Since 2015 he has been Music Director of the Mozart-Havana Festival held annually in the Cuban capital. He has made premieres and first world recordings of Cuban repertoires (S. XVIII-XXI), with emphasis on the recovery of the Cuban musical heritage of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in collaboration with the Musical Heritage Cabinet Esteban Salas. He has obtained several Cubadisco Awards from 2011 to 2023, being in charge of the musical production of several recording projects, such as Música de Salón, La Habana y Santiago de Cuba, siglo XIX (2019), Armonía junto a Bárbara Llanes (2020), Quena Barroca (2021), Ofrenda, (2021), and most recently Hubert de Blanck: un holandés errante collection, with music of this cuban-dutch composer. In November 2021, he was responsible for the premiere and first recording of José María Vitier's Habana Concerto, a piece dedicated to the 500 anniversary of Havana. Between 2020 and 2022, he conducted the HLO in the Mozart & Mambo albums I, II and III with hornist Sarah Willis and the record label Alpha Classics.
Adam Diesner, conductor
Adam Diesner ¬– composer, conductor.
Born on 2nd September 1991 in Puck. Started his musical education in 2004, under the guidance of the composer Zbigniew Pniewski.
A graduate of the Music Academy in Gdańsk, specialization: Composition in the class of prof. Andrzej Dziadek, Choir conducting in the class of prof. Sławomir Bronk and Church Music. Since 2016, a board member of the Youth Circle of the Polish Composers' Union. Scholarship holder of the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage (2017/2018 and 2018/2019).
Laureate of several composition competitions, including:
- GRAND PRIZE in Franz Schubert International Music Competition (2023);
- 3rd prize in World Music Championship 2022 (Vienna 2023);
- 2nd prize in World Music Championship 2022 (Vienna 2023);
- 3rd prize in the 5th World Championship in Composition (Vienna 2022);
- 3rd prize in the 5th European Composer Competition (Vienna 2022);
- 3rd prize in the 3rd International Composition Competition NEW VISION (New York 2020);
- 2nd prize in the Composers' Competition Stanisław Moniuszko (Gdańsk 2018);
- Laureate of the 8th Composers' Competition Zygmunt Mycielski (Warsaw 2017);
- 3rd prize in the 5th Competition for Composers Feliks Nowowiejski (Olsztyn 2015);
- Finalist of the 57th Tadeusz Baird Competition for Young Composers (Warsaw 2016);
- 1st prize in the Composers' Competition Henryk Hubertus Jabłoński (Gdańsk 2015);
A. Diesner's compositions were performed, among others, by at the Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music, at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic in Gdańsk, at the Polish Theater in Warsaw, at Piwnica pod Baranami in Cracow, at Radio Gdańsk Concert Studio, at the New Waves Festival of Contemporary Music in Gdańsk, at the International Festival of Choral Music in Rumia, Music Everywhere National Festival of Contemporary Choral Music in Gdańsk.
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Amelia Tionanda, violin
Amelia obtained her Bachelor and Master degree in Classical Music Performance at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Ghent, Belgium; under the guidance of Alessandro Moccia, Mikhail Kugel, Mikhail Bezverkhny, and Liliya Umnova.
During her stay in Europe 2008-2014, she was a member of some orchestras in Belgium and France, such as Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, Les Symphonistes Europèens, Koninklijk Lyrisch Toneel Kortrijk, Het Vlaams-Brabant Orchestra, Alden Biesen Zomeropera, and orchestra projects from Conservatorium Gent, Tilburg, and Maastricht with the conductors such as Dirk Brosse, Arjan Tien, and Michael Tabachnik.
She also had performed in festivals such as Crescendo Summer Institute (Hungary) and Oberstdorf Musiksommer (Germany), and had masterclasses with Tanja Becker-Bender, Uwe Steinmeitz, David Danel, Dag Erik Anderson, and Shirly Laub; as well as for chamber music with Doric Quartet and Minguett Quartet.
In 2010-2015, she taught violin at Jeugd en Muziek Brussel, Belgium.
In 2007, Amelia won the 1st prize of Dr. Johannes Oentoro Violin Competition at Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia.
Before her departure to Europe for further study, she was a member of many orchestra in Jakarta, and in 2008 she was chosen to play with The Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra.
Since her return in 2014, Ms. Tionanda is the concertmistress of Nusantara Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of Bandung Philharmonic, and an active member of Jakarta Sinfonietta, Jakarta Concert Orchestra, and Jakarta Symfonia Orchestra.
She is regularly giving masterclasses, orchestra and chamber music workshop, and violin jury in various violin competitions and festivals in Indonesia.
Ms. Tionanda is currently working at at The Music Conservatory of Pelita Harapan University as violin lecturer and Head of String Department, and at the Gloriamus Music School as Head of String Department and violin teacher.
Her violin students are winners of several prestigious violin competitions in Indonesia, such as Semarang Violin Competition, Gloriamus Violin Competition, IYMO, PPC Bandung, etc.
Sungsic Yang, violin
Sungsic Yang - violin
The first grand prize winner of the 1988 Carl Flesch International Violin Competition in London, Sungsic Yang has established himself as one of the leading violinists of his generation.
Mr. Yang’s international career includes performances with: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Yehudi Menuhin, the Scottish National Symphony, the London Mozart Players, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ireland, the Leningrad Chamber Orchestra, the Warsaw Chamber Orchestra, the Gavleborgs Symphony Orchestra in Sweden, the Stavanger Philharmonic in Norway, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra under Lawrence Foster, the Orchestra Symphonique Français under Laurent Petitgirard, the London BBC Symphony Orchestra under Andrew Davis, and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra under Dmitri Kitayenko, with whom a live recording of the Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky concertos have subsequently been released under the label CBS Korea. Following the success of this first collaboration, he was invited back to perform and record the Brahms and Sibelius violin concertos for Sony Classical Korea in Moscow.
At the request of Lorin Maazel, Sungsic Yang made his Paris concerto debut in 1988 with the Orchestre National de France at the occasion of the conductor’s first subscription concert as the music director of the orchestra. In addition to several studio recordings with the BBC Concert Orchestra and for Radio France, Mr. Yang’s European tour with the Seoul Philharmonic, the Scottish National Youth Orchestra, and the Gulbenkian Philharmony of Portugal has taken him to Barcelona, Frankfurt, Amsterdam (Concertgebow Hall), Rotterdam, Glasgow, Dublin, Budapest and throughout England. His recitals in prestigious Halls such as Salle Gaveau in Paris, Wigmore Hall in London, Merkin Hall in New York were unanimously acclaimed both by the critics and the audiences.
Sungsic Yang was born in Seoul, Korea and started playing the violin at the age of four. While still only eleven he performed in recital and made his concerto debut performing the Mendelssohn concerto with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Upon his graduation from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, he was awarded a full scholarship to study with Yfrah Neaman at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England until graduation in 1987.
At the age of seventeen, he was awarded the third prize at the Paganini International Competition, and other international prizes were awarded from the Long-Thibaud, Lipizer, and Indianapolis Competitions. In recent years, he was invited to represent Korea as a member of jury at the prestigious Long-Thibaud violin competition in Paris, the Paganini competition in Genoa, Jeunesse International Music competition in Belgrade as well as Munetsugu competition in Nagoya, Japan. His recording "The streghe", works by Paganini for violin and guitar, is a record setting big success in Korea and is now becoming very popular in abroad as well.
From September 2009, he was appointed Professor of Violin in Daegu Catholic University, and has launched a new string chamber group the "Erato Ensemble" as the Music Director.
In recent years He's been giving concerts and Masterclasses in Switzerland, Italy, USA(Eastman, Indiana, Rutgers, Rowan), Japan, Korea, Russia as well as China and his collegues among others were Professors Zhakar Bron, Shlomo Mintz, David Cerone, Kevork Mardirossian, Takashi Shimizu, Kazuki Sawa and Lenuta Ciulei.
From April 2017 till February 2019 he joined the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts as visiting professor, and from September 2020 he was appointed as the new Dean of Seoul Central Conservatory in Korea. He’s currently playing on a Guarnerius del Gesu 1732, a generous loan from Nippon Violin of Tokyo.
"The 26-year-old Korean had complete command of his instrument, and produced an unusually tense, pure tone...The host of young virtuoso descending on the concert world has increased by one." - The New York Times
"A sensitive player with a strong vibrant tone" - The Strad
"His wistful, even plaintive tone, produced a perfectly suited Poème" - Indianapolis Star
"We enjoyed his clean, elegant and charming playing" - Le Figaro
"His precise and flexible technique enables him to produce real fireworks... This young violinist has a brilliant future." - Mainzer Allgemeine Zeitung
"Superbe poignancy and controle revealed an impressive range of expression... the audience was left breathless" - The Salisbury Journal
"The brilliant Korean violinist firmly staked a claim on his audience’s attention with commanding intensity with unhurried grandeur and varied tonal character." - The Times
"Yang’s performance ... was immensely assured, pure in tone, flawless in intonation, a delight to the ear." - The Guardian
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Mateusz Kasprzak-Łabudziński, violin
Mateusz Krzysztof Kasprzak-Łabudziński was born on 3rd June 1988 in Katowice, Poland.
He graduated master violin class of Prof. E.Zienkowski at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna in 2014 as well as an elite solo studies in the master class of Prof. M.Urbaniak-Lisik at the Hochschule der Künste Bern in 2018 (both with destinction).
He participated in master courses and worked with such excellent violinists as: Prof. Wolfgang Marschner, Prof. Marina Yashvili, Prof. Rainer Küchl, Prof. Roman Lasocki, Prof. Konstanty Andrzej Kulka, Prof. Benjamin Schmid as well as Apollon Musagete Quartet.
He graduated an additional studies in specialization of Polish music at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw in the class of Prof. Konstanty Andrzej Kulka and Prof. Roman Lasocki.
From 2016 Assistant of Violin at Hochschule der Künste in Bern and leads Webern Kammerphilharmonie at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna. In 2021 appointed on Doctorate research position at K.Penderecki’s Academy of Music in Cracow.
He is the concertmaster and soloist of Lutoslawski Chamber Orchestra (Lomza) as well as the Chamber Orchestra Camerata Polonia in Vienna. Founder and leader of the chamber ensemble Sinfonietta Viennoise in Vienna.
Mateusz Kasprzak-Łabudziński is the winner of prestigious awards at international competitions: IV International Music Competition in Rome- 1st Prize and Special Prize, 44 th Prof. Josef Dichler’s International Music Competition in Vienna- 1st Prize, Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition in Vienna- 2nd Prize, 2. Grand Prix Rising Stars International Competition in Berlin- 3rd Prize, XV Osaka International Competition- Finalist, International Anton Rubinstein Violin Competition in Düsseldorf- Finalist, XXX J.S.Bach Competition in Zielona Góra- 2nd Prize, III G.Ph.Telemann Competition in Poznań- 4th Prize, III Prof. I. Dubiska Violin Competition in Musical Interpretation in Łódź- Finalist.
He has performed at the most renowned concert halls of Europe : Vienna's Musikverein and Konzerthaus, Berlin's Konzerthaus and Philharmony, Tonhalle Maag in Zürich, Marinnsky Petersburg, Tivoli Copenhagen, Musik Casino Konzerthaus Bern, Budapest Philharmony, Gilde Riga.
He took part in the famous international festivals: Murten Classics (CH), Donaueschingen Musik Tage (DE), EU European Opera Sound (IT), Musikfestival Glagolica (SLO), Kärntner Sommer (AT), Usedomer Musikfestival (DE), Goslar-Harz Musikfestival (DE), Internationalen Chopin Festival Gaming-Kartouse (AT), Sacrum et Musica Łomża (PL), Euro Arts (DE), Yehudi Menuhin Forum (CH/DE/PL), Kvarner (CRO), Boulez Integrale (AT), Wien Modern (AT), Muzyka w Starym Krakowie (PL), Muzyka na Zamku Warszawa (PL), Warszawskie Konfronatcje Muzyczne (PL), Międzynarodowy Festiwal Laureatów Konkursów Katowice (PL).
Kasprzak-Łabudziński has collaborated with such eminent artists as: Jerzy Kosek, Massimiliano Caldi, Kristian Järvi, Michael Rot, Czesław Grabowski, Mischa Santora, Jan Miłosz Zarzycki, Andres Estrada-Orozco, Kaspar Zehnder, HK Gruber, Claudio Cohen, Zoltan Kocsis, Neeme Järvi, Utku Usuroglu, Peter Fahey, Alexej Askhenazy , Sławomir Czarnecki, Dieter Schnebel, Helmut Lachenmann.
Mateusz Kasprzak-Łabudziński became artist’s scholarschip granted by Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna (2008), Hirschmann Foundation in Geneva (2015) , K.Bartkowiak Foundation in Lugano (2015/2016) , Rita Zimmerman-Stiftung (2017), Polish Ministry of Culture “Youth Poland” (2021) and a prize “Golden Owl” in category Music (2021).
He plays on violin made by Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin from 1900.
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Ellen Kogut, violin
Ellen Kogut is a violinist based in Montreal, Canada and has over sixteen years of teaching experience. She recently completed a term of service as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), where she is also a lifetime member. She holds a doctorate in Violin Performance from l’Université de Montréal, as well as Master’s degrees in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from McGill University and Ithaca College, respectively. A recipient of the SAA’s Certificate of Achievement, as well as Teacher Certificates of Recognition from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Ellen is also an affiliate teacher with the Vincent d’Indy music school as well as active member of Suzuki Musique Montréal.
She has taught at institutes and workshops in Canada, as well as the United States, Germany and Poland. She has also taught violin at Cornell University and contributed repertoire guides to the RCM’s Teacher Certification program. Ellen is interested in the benefits of restorative yoga for string players and has registered teacher training through the Yoga Alliance. She enjous performing twentieth-century and contemporary Canadian music.
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Joanne Yeoh, violin
Dr Joanne Yeoh obtained a First Class Honours in her degree from the University of
Middlesex, United Kingdom in 1998, majoring in both piano and violin. Upon completing
her degree, she was awarded a Luther and Ernest Gaunt Scholarship for Strings; and
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship to pursue a Masters in Music Performance
(MMUS) at the University of Leeds. In 2009, Joanne completed her PhD studies
with Heriot Watt University, United Kingdom, with a focus on music and consumer
behaviour.
While studying in the United Kingdom, she had the privilege to participate in several
seminars and masterclasses held by prominent musicians. In the summer of 1998, she
participated in the Aberswyth Music Festival, the celebrated Edinburgh Summer Festival
and the Aberdeen Music Festival. She was also given the opportunity to play an active
role with the Sorrel Quartet during the Leeds Annual Music Festival 1999.
Since returning to Malaysia in 2000, Joanne was selected to participate in the prestigious
Asian Youth Orchestra, travelling to Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Korea and Hong
Kong. In 2002, Joanne had the performed alongside Hong Kong superstar Jacky Cheung
in his Music Odyssey Tour 2002/03 covering over 40 concerts around the world.
The following year, Joanne was selected to perform with Taiwanese heart-throb David
Tao in his Soul Power Tour 2003. In 2008, Joanne was invited yet again to play with another
Hong Kong superstar, Alan Tam. Her musical performances are much sought after
by many corporate and international industries, among them Sony, Panasonic, Omega,
Tag Hauer, Mircosoft, HP, Blackberry, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz,
ESPN and British American Tobacco. Joanne has since launched 3 albums, Pulse of
the Metropolis in 2005; After A Dream in 2013, and Life, Interrupted in 2021. All songs
are available for download on all major streaming platforms.
Among the accolades and awards Joanne has received include The Outstanding Young
Malaysian Award 2004 for the category of Personal Improvement and Accomplishment,
Martell’s Rising Personality Award 2008 and the National Academic Award 2012 for the
category of Arts and Creativity. Joanne was also awarded the Malaysian Fujian Exemplary
Performing Art Award in 2017, the Brand Laureate Grand Master Brand ICON
Leadership Award 2017, Elegant International Business Award 2018/2019, and the
McMillan Woods Global Icon Award 2019. More recently, she was selected as the Winner
for the Professional Achievement Award in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021.
Joanne is also an accredited examiner for Trinity College London examination board,
having travelled to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and
the Asian continent since 2005. Presently, she is a consulting editor with Musicae Scientiae
and lectures as an Associate Professor at the Music Department of Universiti Putra
Malaysia.
Bihan Li, violin
Violinist Bihan Li
Bihan Li is a Chinese Violinist. She holds a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Bihan is also currently a doctoral candidate and teaching assistant at the Manhattan School of Music in NYC.
As a doctoral candidate at the Manhattan School of Music, Chinese Violinist Bihan Li currently earned international recognition as the first prize winner (Grand Prize Nomination) in the 2022 New York International Classical Music Competition. In the same year, she was a prize winner in the 2022 American Virtuoso International Music Competition and the 2022 Medici International Music Competition. During past seasons, Bihan won the first prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and second place in the Camerata Artists International Competition in 2019. As a chamber musician, she and her string quartet won the 2018 Prix Ravel and the prize of Fontainebleau Castle for the Best Interpretation of the Ravel Quartet.
As a rising star on the international stage, Bihan has performed across Asia, America, and Europe. Bihan has been invited to give performances as a soloist at world-renowned venues like the Carnegie, the United Nations Headquarters in the U.S., and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg in 2018. Moreover, she was featured as a soloist and performed with the Orchestra Now under maestro Leon Botstein at Fisher Center at Bard in 2019.
An avid chamber musician, she joined Dawn Upshaw’s concert at National Sawdust as a collaborative violinist, premiering composer Susan Botti’s Italian Folk Songs in New York City in 2019. In addition, her string quartet, by winning the 2018 Prix Ravel, was invited to perform in the Fontainebleau Castle in France. The same year, Bihan was featured in a Mendelssohn Octet performance with her colleagues at the National Theatre of Cuba.
In addition to solo and chamber performances, Bihan enjoys her musical career as a concertmaster in orchestras. In the summer of 2017, she made her first Carnegie Hall debut as the concertmaster of the NYO-China (National Youth Orchestra of China) under Maestro Ludovic Morlot, collaborating with pianists Yujia Wang and Olga Kern. The tour continued at Beijing Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, and Suzhou Grand Center in China during the summer. Moreover, she was chosen as the representative of NYO-China and gave a speech at Yale School of Music. The same year, Bihan was appointed as the concertmaster of the Bard Conservatory Orchestra under Maestros Leon Botstein and Jean-Marie Zeitouni. In 2019, she joined NYSOS (New York String Orchestra Seminar) under maestro Jaime Laredo and the Juilliard Orchestra under maestros Jeffrey Milarsky and David Robertson.
Bringing music to community spaces has always been an essential part of her musical philosophy. In the summer of 2014, Bihan was invited to teach for public welfare at the only Buddhist art troupe in China - the Hong’an Tiantai Mountain Buddhist Temple Music Troupe; as the adjunct violin faculty there, she held violin master classes and music appreciation activities, leading nuns to experience the charm of Western classical music in the mountains. In 2017, she performed as a chamber musician at school outreach concerts and master classes in Pennsylvania, and in the following year, she was invited to perform at Resident at Kenda on Hudson, a nonprofit life plan community. Most recently, she joins the the Chamber Music Residency Program at Kimberton Hills Pennsylvania, and was invited to give a non-profit concert, connecting with the fascinating life-sharing community that includes individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Born in Wuhan, China, Bihan holds a Master of Music Degree from the Juilliard School under the tutelage of violinist Ronald Copes, the second violin in the Juilliard Quartet. She completed her double degrees in Violin Performance and Asian Studies as a full-ride scholarship recipient at Bard Conservatory of music, studying with violinist Weigang Li, the first violin in Shanghai Quartet, and violinist Laurie Smukler. Her academic advisors include Li-Hua Ying, Associate Professor of Chinese at Bard, and conductor Jindong Cai, the director of the US-China Music Institute.
During her senior year at Bard, Bihan’s paper Lin Yaoji—The Legend of Violin Education in China was published by Bard Digital Commons, and she gave a lecturer on her paper as the youngest invitee at the international conference, “Being Humane and Humane: A Look at the Last 100 Years Through Chinese, Russian and American Arts, and Culture,” together with faculties from Bard Early Colleges and Liberal Arts and Sciences of St. Petersburg State University. Besides, Bihan is fond with literature, and in 2017, she published her article in Music Lover magazine in Shanghai, sharing her thoughts on music and life as a musician.
Bihan is a doctoral candidate at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Professor Nicholas Mann. Bihan is part of an international jury at the Music Star Award International Music Competition in Europe and Forte International Music Competition in USA since 2022. She works as a doctoral teaching assistant at Manhattan School of Music, and at the same time serves as a violin instructor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of Arts since 2023.
Ao Peng, violin
Ao Peng, born in Qinhuangdao China, is currently viola assistant faculty and ensemble
coach in Tianjin Juilliard School and viola faculty in Sun Yat-Sen university in
Guangzhou. He is the founding member of QingXin Ensemble in Tianjin and GCG
Ensemble in Shanghai. He won 2nd prize of the 47th Hudson Valley String Competition
in 2019. He was also the winner of the concerto competition at the Music Academy of
the West in 2016. He toured across South Korea with Richard O’Neill, Yu-Chien Tseng,
Daniel Chong and Steven Lin as guest artist of Ensemble DITTO. He was invited to
multiple music festivals such as Marlboro Music Festival, Perlman Chamber Music
Workshop, Kneisel Hall, Music Academy of the West, and Bowdoin Festival. He shared
stages with multiple great artists around the world, including Itzhak Perlman, Joseph
Lin, Peter Wiley, Shanghai String Quartet, Marcy Rosen, Daniel Phillips, Wei He,
Richard O!Neill, David Geber, and Merry Peckham. He was also a member of the New
York Philharmonic Global Academy, co-principal at Juilliard Orchestra, and the
associate principal in New York String Orchestra Seminar from 2014 to 2015. In 2018,
the album "On & Between” he appears in won the gold metal of Global Music Award,
along with "Best of Show”, "Best Album” and "Best Instrumentalists”. His recent book
“Before the Bell: A Guide of Classical Music” got published and became one of the bestsellings
in Sun Yat-Sen University Publishing House.
Ao Peng began his music studies on violin when he was 5, switched to viola at 14. He
finished his bachelor degree in Manhattan School of Music studied with Karen Dreyfus
and Kazuhide Isomura, and completed his master degree at Juilliard School, studied
with department chair Samuel Rhodes.
Chuong Vu, violin
Praised for his “exquisite playing” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Yehudi Wyner, violinist Chuong Vu has performed as a soloist, recitalist, chamber music collaborator, and concertmaster in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, with repertoire ranging from early baroque to modern music. The Saigon Times writes that "Chuong Vu is an instrumentalist to treasure. Not only does he play with exquisite tone and superb technical virtuosity, but he also clearly loves the music, and loves playing it."
A regular soloist with all major Vietnamese orchestras, including the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ho Chi Minh City Symphony Orchestra (HBSO), and the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, Chuong has appeared as a guest soloist with the Sun Symphony Orchestra and the Vietnam Classical Players (Vietnam), the Sun Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra (Taiwan), the Orchestra of Slovak Radio and Television (Slovakia), the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra (Brazil), the Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra (Mexico), the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, Richardson Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, and the UNT Baroque Orchestra (USA), among others. He has performed a diverse concerto repertoire and popular works for violin and orchestra, among them the violin concertos by Bach, Barber, Bruch, Faure, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Vivaldi, Wieniawski, and Zhanhao He/Gang Chen, Scottish Fantasy by Bruch, Concerto Grosso No. 1 by Schnittke, Double Concertos by Brahms and Mendelssohn, Triple Concerto by Beethoven, Concertos for Four Violins by Vivaldi and Valentini; Sinfonia Concertante for Four Violins by Maurer, and the music by Chausson, Dvorak, Rimsky-Korsakov, Saint-Saens, and John Williams. Conductors under whom Chuong has performed as a soloist include Clay Couturiaux, Hector Guzman, and David Itkin (USA), Raúl Velázquez (Mexico), Alexander Mickelthwate (Germany), Kalle Kuusava (Finland), Nathalie Marin and Olivier Ochanine (France), Paul Leenhouts (Holland), Shlomo Mintz (Israel), Wojciech Czepiel (Poland), Branislav Hronec (Slovakia), Christopher Zimmerman (UK), Honna Tetsuji (Japan), Fouad Fakhouri (Lebanon), Ai Kuang Sun (Taiwan), and Fi Fi Le (Vietnam-Macedonia), among others.
An avid chamber musician, Chuong has been heard at Festival Internacional de Música do Pará, Euro Music Festival and Academy, Boston Early Music Festival, Manchester Music Festival, Texas Music Festival, HBSO's Autumn Melodies Art Festival, and Vietnam Connection Music Festival, as well as at concert series such as Fine Art Chamber Players, Live at the Steinway Hall, and Chamber Music International. Notable collaborators in concerto and chamber music performances include violinists Shlomo Mintz, Stephanie Chase, Nai-Yuan Hu, Kyung Sun Lee, Cynthia Roberts, Vilmos Szabadi, Chen Xi, and Bui Cong Duy, violist Susan Dubois, cellist Eugene Osadchy, double bassist Jeff Bradetich, pianist Jean-Louis Haguenauer and Max Levinson, and harpsichordist Christoph Hammer, among others.
Chuong's solo and chamber music performances have been broadcast live on Ho Chi Minh City Television, Vietnamese National Television, and Brazilian TV Cultura Canal 2. Further highlights include a solo performance of the U.S. National Anthem with the Open Classical Orchestra for an audience of more than 40,000 at the national-televised Texas Rangers game at the Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 29, 2016, appearances as the featured soloist with the HBSO Symphony Orchestra, performing the violin concertos by Barber and Sibelius at the special concerts to celebrate 20 years of the Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relationship and 100 years of Finland's Independence Day, respectively, and a concert tour of 6 major cities in Vietnam with pianist Maxime Zecchini in an official event organized by the French Institute in Vietnam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and France.
A prolific orchestral musician, Chuong has served as concertmaster of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and the VASCAM Ensemble. He has performed as a guest concertmaster for the symphony orchestras of Amarillo, Irving, Monroe, Richardson, and Wichita Falls. Other ensembles he has played with include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Opera Orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, among many others. As a baroque violinist, Chuong has collaborated with early music ensembles including the Houston Chamber Choir, Mercury Baroque, Orchestra of New Spain, Texas Camerata, and Ensemble Fantasmi.
Chuong Vu holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Houston, a graduate artist certificate and a doctorate from the University of North Texas. His principal teachers include Fredell Lack, Emanuel Borok, Philip Lewis, Albert Muenzer, Cynthia Roberts, Nguyen Anh Giang, and Bui Cong Thanh. He has performed in masterclasses given by Ruggiero Ricci, James Buswell, Charles Castleman, Victor Dachenko, Alex Kerr, Elmar Oliveira, Rachel Podger, William Preucil, Lucie Robert, Sylvia Rosenberg, Almita Vamos, and Karen Turtle, among others. A passionate teacher himself, Dr. Vu has cultivated a number of talented young students, some of whom were recently accepted into music programs at Indiana University, the Eastman School of Music, the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, and Columbia University. His students have been prizewinners in national and international music competitions. Currently a Violin Professor at the Euro Arts Academy, Dr. Vu has held teaching positions at the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington. He has given masterclasses in the US, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In 2019, he served as the Deputy Chair of the Organizing Committee and a jury member of the Vietnam International Music Competition for Violin and Chamber Music. In 2020, he was invited to join the pre-selection jury for the George Enescu International Competition (Romania). In 2023, he was invited as a jury member for the X International Violin Competition "Astana-Violin" 'In Memory of David Oistrakh' (Kazakhstan).
As the artistic director of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival and artistic advisor of the Vietnam International Music Competition, Dr. Vu is actively involved in the process of finding new sponsorship for the organizations, creating music programs to be performed at the festival, inviting international artists to the festival, and judging the competition.
Beste Tiknaz Modiri, viola
Beste Tiknaz Modiri, -violist- winner of national and international prizes and awards, a soloist with orchestras and recitals throughout the World, an active Chamber music player and viola professor.
Began her musical education with Ani Inci at the Istanbul University State Conservatory where she also studied with Venyamin Warshavski. She received her Master’s Degree from Istanbul University , a Performance Diploma from the Boston Conservatory with Leonard Matczynski, and DMA from Istanbul University, Chamber Music diploma from University of Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) with Johannes Meissl. Most Successful Student two years in a row and received scholarship from Istanbul University and full scholarship at the Boston Conservatory. Meanwhile She worked with world known violists such as;
Y. Bashmet, N. Imai, Prof. M. Bucchholz, P. McCarty, M. Ruth Ray, P. Farulli, M. Tenenbaum, Prof.
T. Masurenko, R. Gunes, B. Guiranna, R. Diaz, R. Tapping, M. Thompson, C. Phelps in master classes and workshops. Tıknaz is the winner of: ICMEC Competition (Gold Medal), BO.CO [2]. String Idol, MTNA Young Concert Artists State and Eastern Competitions, BO.CO [2]. Concerto Competition, 9 Eylul University national viola Competition, Playing for Peace award, President award and Donizetti Chamber Music Award.Her performance venues including halls such as Bonn Beethoven Halle, Berlin Konzerthaus, Carnegie Hall , Queen Elizabeth Hall (Bruselss), Ongaku Do (Japan), Berlin Philarmoniker Grosser Saal, Berlin Philarmoniker Kammer Saal, Gewandhaus (Leipzig) Boston Symphony Hall, Harvard Sanders Theatre, Enescu Hall and Crr, İŞ sanat concert hall, Ataturk Cultur Cente(AKM), Lutfi Kırdar, Aya Irini (Hagia Irene ) in Turkiye. The Prestigious festivals she attended is including Aix end Provence (France), Associazione Mozart Italia, Istanbul International Music Festival, Beethoven Fest (Bonn), BBC Proms (London), Salzburg Festival, FIMU Festival (France), Budapest Spring Fest, Apple Hill Chamber Music
Festival and Mediterranean Contemporary Music Days. In addition to being a prize-winning soloist, Beste is also an active chamber music player. She was a member of the Kibele, Sospiro, Semplice, Winsor Music Quartets and currently is a member of the, Borusan Virtuosi, ViolAria Trio, Orient Ensemble and the Sion Soloists. Summers are spent teaching at Youth and Muse Festival in Boston, Point Counter Point in Vermont, Apple Hill in New Hampshire, the Chichibu Festival in Japan and, Associazione Mozart Torino, Italy. She has performed the Turkish Premier of many pieces such as Forsyth Viola Concerto with Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, B. Güneş, M. Sakpınar, M. Uzunarslan, O. Dülger and many others .
She works with many chamber and symphonic orchestras where she worked with Well known conductors such as: Yoel Levi, Sacha Goetzel, K. Penderecki, Alexander Rahbari, Bruce Hangen, Nikos Haliassas, Rengim Gökmen, Cem Mansur, Hakan Şensoy, Betin Güneş, Gürer Aykal, John Axelrod, Helmut Rilling, James Judd, Peter Gülke at various Orchestras such as: German National Orchestra (Principal), The Orchestra of the Swan (co.Principal), Emmanuel Music, Boston Chamber Orchestra (principal), Turkish Chamber Orchestra, Cemal Resit Rey Symphony Orchestra (principal), Akbank Chamber Orchestra, Tekfen BlackSea Soloist Philarmony Orchestra and Orchestra Sion(Principal) Borusan Istanbul Philarmonic Orchestra (Principal). She is curently holding a Professor position at Istanbul University State Conservatory and the principal violist of the Borusan Philarmonisches Kammerorchester Berlin. Throughout the year she give concerts under the name of the Project she started as “Beste Tiknaz and Peace Stars and “She plays with ‘1883 Gand and Bernardel’ viola.
Jovan Jakovljević, guitar
Born in the city of Šabac 28.07.1991. Started his musical education at the "Mihailo Vukdragović" Music School in Šabac. He improved at numerous master courses (Prof. Zoran Krajišnik, Prof. Darko Karajić and Guitar Art Eos Guitar Quartet). During his education, he distinguished himself by winning numerous awards at recognized competitions.He collaborates and performs in several orchestras playing various musical genres on the electric guitar.
Ekaterina Pushkarenko, guitar
Ekaterina Pushkarenko, a famous Russian guitar player, the prize-winner of many International Music Contests, was born in 1984. She graduated from Chaikovsky Music College by Music University of Chelyabinsk where she studied at the class of professor and composer V.V. Kozlov; the Gnesins College, where she studied at the class of A.I. Vinizkii; Maimomid State Classical Academy, where she studied at the class of professor E.U. Finkelschtein.
Ekaterina Pushkarenko has taken part in master-classes of world-famous musicians, such as Fabio Zanon, K.Markione, Andreas von Wangelheim, Yoram Zerbib. At present Ekaterina Pushkarenko is giving concerts and master-classes in Russia, Thailand, South Korea and China, takes part in International Guitar Contests and is a member of a jury board at International Music Contest and Festivals.
Since 2004 Ekaterina Pushkarenko has been teaching in the Sviridov Children’s Music School. Some of her students are among prize-winners of Russian and International Music Contests of Guitar Players.
In 2012 Ekaterina Pushkarenko earned a diploma of the contest “The best teacher and performer of Children Music Schools in the year 2012”.
While playing solo, Ekaterina Pushkarenko also takes part in the group “Duet-Impromptu” together with a famous virtuous balalaika-player Andrew Subbotin. The group has been performing for over 8 years and has 6 different concert programs.She also performs in a guitar-duet with her brother Evgenii Pushkarenko, also a prize-winner of many international music contests.
In Ekaterina Pushkarenko concert programs we can see a big variety in epochs and styles - from Baroque to modern music, for example, the compositions in jazz-rock, or concerts for guitar with an orchestra.
At the moment Ekaterina plays on the music instrument by Kim Xi Xong, a guitar master from South Korea.
A solo DVD of Ekaterina Pushkarenko’s performance, which was filmed in Seoul, South Korea, was released in January, 2013.
Ekaterina Pushkarenko often gives solo performances at International Music Classical Guitar Contests, and has often been a member of the jury in such contests as:
2009-2010 - International contest in the name of |. Kuznetsov, Magnitogorsk;
2010 - a tour in South Korea
2011 - a tour around China (Changdu, Shan to, Zan Dao). While
touring China, Ekaterina gave several successful master-classes.
2011 — International Contest “Guitar in Russia”, Chelyabinsk;
2012 - Russian Contest and Festival “Silver Overtone’”, Cheboksary;
2012 - International Guitar Festival, Thailand, Bangkok.
2012 —Concert in South Korea, Seoul, where her DVD was recorded.
Man-Bun Au, guitar
Man-Bun Au is currently teaching Guitar Performance and Guitar Ensemble at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Music Department of Hong Kong Baptist University. From 2016 to 2019, he has been the Operational Director of the Altamira Hong Kong International Guitar Symposium and Competition. Au has been invited as the adjudicator of the Altamira International Virtual Guitar Competition 2020, China National Guitar Competition in Shanghai, the Shen Yang International Guitar Competition in China, and Macao Young Musicians Competition.
Au has been heard both in Hong Kong, China, and North America. He has been the featured soloist of the program “Hong Kong Concert Hall” of the RTHK Radio 4. Au has collaborated with “Zephyr: voice unbound,” a Los Angeles based chamber choir, giving concerts throughout Southern California area. Au has given live performance in television station KLTA and radio channel KPFK of Los Angeles.
Born in Hong Kong, guitarist Man-Bun Au began his guitar training in his teenage. Mr. Au was admitted by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts where he studied under Ms. Tina Karen Lo and became one of the first graduates major in Guitar Performance. Au continued his guitar study at the University of Southern California studying Professor James Smith, William Kanengiser, and Brian Head. Au has also been tutored by renowned guitarists, such as, Pepe Romero, Angel Romero, David Russell, Manual Barrueco, Oscar Ghiglia, Bruce Holzman and Elliot Fisk. He graduated at USC with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance. In addition, Au was the scholarship recipient to participate the festival “Musica en Compostela” where he studied with Jose Luis Rodrigo.
Cheng-Yu Wu, flute
Cheng-Yu Wu was born in Taichung, Taiwan in 1981. He began his musical education at the National First Senior High School of Taichung under Ms. Li-Ming Chen’s guidance in 1996. He attended National Taiwan University and majored in Philosophy in 1999. Meanwhile, he continued to pursue music career and studied with Mr. Anders Norell and Ms. Yi-Hui Lin. Cheng-Yu was the First Chair flute in the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra between 2003 and 2004 during the military service. In 2005, Cheng-Yu went to Europe and studied music under Harrie Starreveld, Marten Root, Marieke Schneemann, and Ellen Vergunst at Conservatorium van Amsterdam. In 2011, Cheng-Yu earned his Master’s Degree in Music from Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Cheng-Yu is known as a flutist and specialized in interpreting variety of music styles. He studied contemporary music with Mr. Harrie Starreveld, and Baroque flute with Mr. Marten Root. He formed his chamber music group, The CVA Trio, with Violist Mr. Victor Gil Gazapo and Harpist Ms. Anna Steinkogler in 2009 and performed in both the Netherlands and Austria. During this time, Cheng-Yu also collaborated with Pianist Harimada Kusuma as Goudsbloemduo in 2008. They have been performing in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Taiwan till today.
In 2012, Cheng-Yu started an experimental solo flute recital project titled "Just Flute?!". The project was well received and soon he was invited to feature in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and Taipei International New Music Festival. Cheng-Yu is well-known for his creativity of playing different types of flutes for various music styles. In additional to concert performance, Cheng-Yu is dedicated to flute and composition education. He formed a modern music ensemble, TimeArt Studio, in 2013. Cheng-Yu's first flute solo album Ten Poems was released in 2014 and was nominated for The Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music in Taiwan. His second album Parallaxis was released in May 2018. Cheng-Yu is currently active as a flute soloist and a music educator in Shanghai and various cities in Taiwan.
Elena Shpakovskaia, flute
Shpakovskaia Elena was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia where she started her musical education.
She graduated with honors from the Petrozavodsk State Glazunov Conservatory in 2002.
After graduation Elena had been working for a long time in the Admiralty Orchestra of the Leningrad Naval Base conducted by Alexey Karabanov (Honored Artist of Russia) and Valentin Lyashenko (Captain 2nd rank). Many times Elena Shpakovskaia performed solo on the stages of the leading concert halls in Saint-Petersburg, other Russian cities and also in Europe.
Elena is a laureate of various all-Russian and international musical competitions.
Elena Shpakovskaia had been working for several years in string and flute quartet «Petersburg’s Salon».
At the same time she also started her pedagogical career. From 2012 until the present moment Elena has been working as a flute teacher at the Sviridov Children’s School of Arts.
Elena Shpakovskaia’s students constantly participate in concerts, international festivals and competitions. Elena was awarded with multiple diplomas, letters of gratitude from Saint-Petersburg government.
This year her students took part in the eve of the International Festival The Virtuosi of the Flute and Northern Lyre in the Mariinsky Theatre.
Some of the main competitions in which her students gained the best results are the Young Talent (Saint-Petersburg government award), the Grand Prix of the International Competition «Malenkiy Mozart», the Gran Prix of the International Competition «Polifonika», winners of the Stockholm International Music Competition and many others
Ella Dolzhikova, flute
President of the Y.N. Dolzhikov Charitable Foundation for the Development of Culture
Laureate of international competitions.
Organizer of the International Competition-Festival of young performers on wooden, brass and percussion instruments named after Yu.N.Dolzhikov, creative school "Dolzhikov Academy".
Soloist of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra "Russian Philharmonic"
Teacher of the College of Theatrical and Musical Art named after G.P.Vishnevskaya.
1994 - Graduated from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory
2000 – Postgraduate studies at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Technical University, class of Professor Yu.N.Dolzhikov
Over the years of her pedagogical activity, she has conducted master classes and solo concerts both in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazakhstan Almaty,Astana, Arkhangelsk, Noyabrsk, Stary Oskol, Perm, Khanty-Mansiysk, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod, Cheboksary, Izhevsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk) and abroad (France, USA, Mexico, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia, South Korea).
Ella Dolzhikova's students are laureates of international competitions, Russian national competitions
Zhaorong Chen, flute
Zhaorong Chen currently serves as Professor of flute at the China Conservatory of Music. He is the first mainland Chinese flutist to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in the USA. After he graduated from the University of Bridgeport, he continued his study and achieved a Master of Music degree from the Yale University. Doctor of Music Arts from University of Washington. He is a Guest Flute Professor at Yunnan Arts University and serves as Secretary General of the China Flute Association.
As a flutiest, Chen has performed in the world's most prestigious concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Woolsey Hall and Sprague Memorial Hall at Yale University, Musical Hall at the National Center for the Performing Arts.
While pursuing his dream as a flutist in the USA, Chen studied with Yale University's renowned Ransom Wilson, American flute soloist Robert Stallman, the Hartt School flute professor John Wion, the Juilliard School's flute professor Bradley Garner, the University of Washington's flute professor Donna Shin and Zart Dombourian-Ebay, University of Bridgeport flute professor Barbara Siesel, and others.
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Cheryl Lim, flute
Critically acclaimed flautist Cheryl Lim has performed solo and chamber recitals, lecture recitals and solo, chamber and orchestral concerts on both modern and period flutes in Singapore's performing venues, as well as overseas in the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. She is currently Artist Faculty at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (part of the National University of Singapore) and is an adjunct lecturer in Flute studies at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. She was awarded the Clinton Lee Arrowood Memorial Prize for excellence in modern flute performance upon her doctoral graduation at Peabody Conservatory back in 2014, and previously attended the Manhattan School of Music for her Masters. She is currently Subject Head of the IBCP at the Singapore School of the Arts, a programme that focuses on developing artistic excellence.
Ceren Dik, flute
She was born in 1984. She started her flute education with Erkan Alpay at Istanbul University State Conservatory in 1994. She completed her university education in 2003 and her master's degree in 2007. During these years, she worked with important flutists such as GUlen Tatu, Vincent Lukas, Cecilie Loken, Peter Lukas Graf, Sibel Pensel and Maxence Larrieu. In 2010, she received her diploma of specialization in Soloistic from the Haute Ecole de Musique et Conservatoire de Lausanne with a concert she gave accompanied by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. During her training with Jose Daniel Castellon, she gave many chamber music and solo concerts. During these years, she worked with famous flutists such as Michel Debost and Emmanuel Pahud.She won the first prize in the International Marsyas flute competition in 2010. Between 2010 and 2016, she worked as the principal flute in the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet orchestra. She completed her Proficiency in Art (PhD) education in 2015. In June 2016, she was invited to play at the Israel 'Jerusalem Music Center' concert and the Kol Hamusika radio show. In the same year, she took part in the Istanbul International Woodwind Festival as a concert artist. She received the title of Associate Professor in 2017. In April, she performed J.S.Bach's B minor suite accompanied by the Izmir Kar§1yaka Chamber Orchestra. In June of the same year, she premiered two works (flute - flute/piano) accompanied by the Istanbul Concertant Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, 'J.G.' will be released on the digital platform. Her album Tromlitz 6 Partitas for Solo Flute was released. She received the title of Professor in 2023. Ceren Dik, who continues to serve as the head of the Wind and Percussion Department of Istanbul University State Conservatory, continues to give concerts in the fields of solo, chamber music and orchestra.
Aistė Bružaitė, kankles
A professional kanklės music performer, Aistė Bružaitė is a laureate of national and international competitions, performing both as a soloist and with ensembles. She has participated in numerous international festivals and has given concerts in Lithuania and abroad, in Latvia, Estonia, Russia, India, the USA, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, Turkey, Poland, and Austria, among others.
To unlock the potential of the kanklės, Aistė Bružaitė eagerly participates in numerous projects that bring together both classical and national musical instruments and orchestras of various countries. Besides, she plays with several ensembles and is willing to face challenges and innovations.
Aistė Bružaitė has played a lot of works by Lithuanian composers and it is thanks to her own initiative that these works have seen the world. She is the first performer of Aistmarės, concerto for kanklės and chamber orchestra by Algirdas Martinaitis. The musician has also prepared several programmes and recorded compositions together with the Jauna Muzika Choir of the Vilnius City Municipality (artistic director and conductor Vaclovas Augustinas). Aistė Bružaitė has performed solo with the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, the Lithuanian National Orchestra, the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella (Russia), and Pskov Symphony Orchestra (Russia).
In addition to this, the musician has prepared and published a collection of the newest compositions for kanklės The 21st Century Music for Kanklės and Kanklės Duo. Together with Jolita Matkiene, Aistė Bružaitė performs in a kanklės duo; she also gives concerts together with Dovile Kazonaitė (soprano), Milda Baronaitė (soprano), Egidijus Ališauskas (birbynė), and Loreta Sungailienė (vocal), among other acclaimed performers.
Aistė Bružaitė’s active engagement with different ensembles has yielded in as many as four CDs. Her first solo double CD Inspired by Kanklės featuring major works by Lithuanian composers performed by various orchestras and created exclusively for Aistė Bružaitė appeared in 2021.
Aistė Bružaitė has been an active organiser of national and international events, concerts, and workshops all over Lithuania. You can also see her as a frequent participant of national and international conferences and seminars. In 2016, together with the Art Vio String Quartet and the Folk Instrument Orchestra of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Aistė Bružaitė organised and recorded a recital of at the radio concert studio of the Lithuanian National Radio and Television. The performance featured works by Lithuanian composers performed for the first time.
A year later, in 2017, Aistė Bružaitė organised another recital named Playing the Kanklės at Concert Performances. Music Today. At the event, the audience could enjoy the newest compositions or those played for the first time by kanklės solo as well as pieces of chamber music played together with various classical music performers.
Aistė Bružaitė also works as an expert teacher at Vilnius Balys Dvarionas Music School and chairs a methodological group of folk instruments.
Alexey Alexeev, bayan
Alexey Alekseev is a graduate of Moscow Alfred State Institute of Music Schnittke 2016 in the class of Professor Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation Andrey Ledenev. In 2021 year graduated from the Moscow Assistant internship Alfred State Institute of Music Schnittke in the class of the world-famous accordionist, associate professor Sergei Osokin.
Laureate of All-Russian and international competitions, soloist of the song and dance ensemble of the VKS Of Russia. Fellow of the Governor of the Ivanovo region. Participant of International festivals.
He has toured Russia, Germany, France, Turkey and China.
Since 2018, he has been working at the Alfred Schnittke Moscow State Institute of Music at the Department of Folk Performing Arts.
He is active in concert activities.
He has performed as a soloist and concertmaster in such halls as: the Small Hall of the Moscow The State Conservatory named after Petra Tchaikovsky; The Great Hall of the Conservatory named after Pyotr Tchaikovsky; Bolshoy Svetlanovsky,
Theater and Chamber halls of Moscow International House of Music; Ivanovskaya and Rostov Philharmonic Society; Cité de la musique in Paris; Harbin Grand Theatre, China.
Among the achievements are such contests and festivals as:
1) All-Russian competition "Gems of Russia" - 1st prize (Ivanovo, 2009, 2010);
2) International Olympiad of Arts - 1st Prize(Moscow),
3) 69th International Competition "Coupe Mondiale"
(World Cup) - DIPLOMA HOLDER (Rostov-on-Don, 2016);
4) International Classical Music Forum - 1st Prize (Moscow, 2016);
5) VIII INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION - 1st Prize (Belgrade, Serbia. 2017);
6) III International Competition "GRAND MUSIC ART" - Zya Award (Moscow, 2017);
7) II Russian-Chinese Festival of Culture and Art (Harbin, China, 2018);
8) XVI Moscow International Festival "Harmonica - the Soul of Russia" - laureate (Moscow, 2018);
9) III International Competition of Bayanists and accordionists "Assorgemiyim" - 1st prize in the ensemble category (Rechitsa, Belarus, 2019);
10) International talent contest "Wiener Träume" - 1st award in the solo and ensemble category, (Vienna, Austria, 2020)
Mikhail Totskii, bayan
Mikhail Totskii (button accordion, accordion, accordina) - soloist of the Karelian State Philharmonic, conductor of the Russian Folk Instruments Orchestra Onego of the Karelian State Philharmonic. Honoured Artist of the Republic of Karelia, laureate of international contests and all-Russian festivals, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Karelia (2006), laureate of the Prize of the Head of the Republic of Karelia (2011). In 2008 he won the European prize Eisernen Eversteiner of the international festival FOLKHERBST (for achievements in the genre of world music) as a member of the Exprompt quartet of Russian folk instruments.
He was Born in 1972 in Severodvinsk in the Arkhangelsk region, graduated from Glazunov Petrozavodsk State Conservatoire (class of accordion of Kalaberda, conducting class of Mironov). In 1993 he joined the Russian Folk Instruments Orchestra Onego of the Karelian State Philharmonic. Since 1997 he has been a soloist and head of the orchestra of the National Song and Dance Ensemble Kantele. In 2011 he became the second conductor of the Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments Onego. He is the head of the tango ensemble Companeros.
Mikhail tours with solo and chamber programmes, collaborates with many philharmonics and orchestras in Russia and abroad: he has performed at venues such as the Moscow International House of Music, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, the Small Hall of the St Petersburg Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, the Metropolia Hall in Helsinki as well as concert halls in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Italy.
His programmes Music of the Blazing Heart, One-man Band and Tango Formula have been performed with Russian orchestras in numerous Russian philharmonics (Petrozavodsk, Vologda, Cherepovets, Velikii Novgorod, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Volgograd, Tolyatti, Ulyanovsk, Astrakhan, Sochi, Krasnodar, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Archangelsk, St Petersburg and Moscow).
Mikhail Totskii cooperates with many famous performers-instrumentalists and singers (in particular he played with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and Blackmore`s Night on their tour around Germany in 2006).
Mikhail is the composer of arrangements for the orchestra of Russian folk instruments and various instrumental ensembles and the creator of musical programmes and season tickets for children and young people (the cycles Tales with the Onego Orchestra, Music of Beloved Books). He is an organiser of a number of musical projects in the Republic of Karelia and beyond its borders
Sergei Osokin, accordion
Sergey Osokin – extraordinar Russian accordion player and the winner of all major International
competitions, such as Dubna (Russia), in Moscow (Russia), in Tula (Russia) as well as Klingental (Germany), the “Cup of the North” (Russia, Cherepovets), “Big award of Don” (Russia, Rostov-on-Don), “Spring voices” in a variety category (Russia, Moscow), in Surgut (Russia), the X International competition in Arrasate-Mondragon (Spain), the International competition in Castelfidardo (Italy and a special prize from “Excelsior”), Grand-Prix at the 5th International competition “Cup of the North” in Cherepovets, Grand-Prix at the International competition “Shabyt” in Astana (Kazakhstan), The International competition “Trophee
Mondial” (Bourboule, France), The international competition “Moro D’ Oro” (Italy, categories: Jazz, variety, classic), Golden prize at the festival “April Spring” (North Korea, Pyongyang)
Sergey is participating at international festivals in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Spain, Slovakia, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, the United States, France, Italy, regularly tooks part in the music festivals “Bayan and Bayanists”.
Sergey became the soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic society in 2006. He is currently an active concert artist, frequently serves as an adjudicator at international competitions. Since 2006 he has been a
teacher at the Schnittke’s Moscow State Institute of Music.
Mr. Osokin was born in Kolomna, Russia. He started playing the accordion at the age of six and began to study music with O. A. Makarova in Kolomna. Since 1995 he continued his education in Moscow with professor Andrey Ledenev. After finishing the musical school in 1997 he entered the Schnittke’s State Music College in Moscow where he was taught by professor Andrey Ledenev. Since 1997 until 2001 Sergey was a student of Schnittke’s State Music College in Moscow. He was trained by Proffessor Yuri Shishkin at the “New Names” master class in Suzdal, Russia. After completing his studies in Schnittke’s State Music
College in Moscow, Sergey continued his education at the Schnittke’s State Music Institute in Moscow with professor Andrey Ledenev. Later he was a student of Schnittke’s State Music Institute in Moscow. After
finishing the Institute in 2004 Sergey entered the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow in the class of distinguished Russian concert artist and
professor, Friedrich Lips.
Oleg Abramov, trombone
Abramov O. One of the brightest representatives of the domestic performing school of playing brass instruments. He constantly performs with solo programs, both accompanied by an orchestra, and with a piano and organ in the best halls of Russia, among which the Concert Hall named after P.I. Tchaikovsky and the small hall of the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic, Bolshoi, Rakhmaninov Hall, Small Halls of the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I. Chakovsky, Large and small halls of the St. Petersburg State Academic Philharmonic named after D.D. Shostakovich, Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater, Moscow International House of Music and many others. As a soloist, he plays trombone, euphonium and sakbut. The performing arts are characterized by a rich expressive sound, diverse dynamics, wide free breathing.
He is the first performer in Russia of a number of works of both symphonic, chamber and solo repertoire.
He is constantly invited to the jury for regional, all-Russian and international competitions.
The author of a number of scientific articles that are popular in professional circles.
Toured: Spain, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Thailand, France, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, China, South Korea, Kazakhstan.
He gave master classes in: Germany, China, South Korea, as well as in Russian cities: Makhachkala, Kaliningrad, Izhevsk, Volgograd, Kazan, Rostov on the Don, Novosibirsk, Astrakhan, Krasnoyarsk, Saratov, Yekaterinburg, Togliatti, Surgut, Vladivostok, Arkhangelsk, Samara, Moscow.
He worked with such conductors as: V. Gergiev, F. Mansurov, Yu. Simonov, V. Zhardania, R. Matsov, E. Serov, M. Tatarnikov, Yu. Kochnev, M. Mandorano, V. Khalilov, D. Fisher, B. Eklund and many others.
Actively conducts social activities within the framework of which charitable, educational, patriotic and cultural and educational projects are created and implemented.
Extensive experience of cooperation with public organizations, as well as with representatives of medium and large businesses.
He took part in music festivals: International Festival "Veranos en Cuenca" (Spain), "Sauerland-Herbst" (Germany), International Festival "Jeju" (South Korea), "Vgass im Frankenwald" (Germany), "Santa Chichelia" (Spain), Festival of Symphony orchestras of the world (Moscow), Festival "Brass of the White Nights" (St. Petersburg); Art festival "Aura Tuba" (Moscow), National Theater Award and Festival "Golden Mask" (Moscow), International Festival "Brass Days" (Moscow), International Festival "Music without Borders" (St. Petersburg), International Festival "Dagestan Fanfare" (Makhachkala), International Festival "Gathering Friends" (Moscow), International Festival "In the Homeland of Tchaikovsky" (Izhevsk), Sobinovsky Music Festival. (Saratov), "Port Petrovsky Assemblies" (Dagestan), the All-Russian Conference of Trombonists (Moscow), the First All-Russian Seminar of Trumpeters (Moscow), represented Russia at the conference of the International Guild of Trumpeters in Thailand.
For high professionalism, personal contribution to the development of culture and art, education and patriotic education, he was marked by letters of thanks and diplomas.
Now:
• President of the Alexander III Brass Instrument Performance Support Fund.
• Conductor of the youth pop and symphony orchestra of the Center for Cultural Development.
• Senior lecturer Moscow State Pedagogical University.
• Concert soloist.
Radek Jíša, tuba
Radek Jíša was previously the tubist with the Sun Symphony Orchestra, Hanoi, the National Centre for
Performing Arts in Beijing and the Opera Orchestra of National Theatre Brno in the Czech Republic. He
has also performed with many other famous orchestras including the Orchestra of Mariinsky Theatre,
Russia and the Macau Orchestra where he was led by conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Valery Gergiev
and Zubin Mehta.
As a teacher, Jíša has given masterclasses at the China Conservatory of Music, Beijing, the Conservatory
of Music in Brno, Czech Republic and Penang International Brass Festival in Malaysia.
Jíša earned his Master’s degree at the Hochschule für Musik Theater und Medien in Hannover, Germany
under the guidance of Prof. Jens Bjørn-Larsen. During this time, he developed his skills with the help of
renowned tuba players including, Paul Halwax, Thomas Keller and Perry Hoogendijk. His participation at
the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan was also an important milestone in Mr Jíša’s musical growth.
He has been a faculty of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music since 2021.
Ayaka Sato, euphonium
Euphonium soloist, lecturer at Toho Gakuen College Music Department, and
a euphonium player in the Panda Wind Orchestra and Ueno Bass Clef
Euphonium Tuba Quartet.
She has won many prizes in Japan and abroad, including first prize at
the Lieksa Brass Week International Competition in Finland in 2018, and
attracting attention from abroad as an up-and-coming euphonium player.
She has performed as a soloist with the Biel/Bienne Symphony Orchestra
(Switzerland), the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Seto Philharmonic
Orchestra, etc.
She released 2 CDs "Beans" (Octavia Records) and "Nokishita Lamp"
(MClassics).
Her repertoire ranges from baroque to contemporary, and she is
particularly active in commissioning works for euphonium.
Katarzyna Zdybel-Nam, bassoon
Dr hab. Katarzyna Zdybel-Nam began her bassoon education in 1998 studying with Jerzy Lisak at the State Music School in Zamość. From 2002 to 2007 she studied at the Academy of Music (currently the Fryderyk
chopin University of Music) in Warsaw with prof. Zbigniew Płużek.
Three years later she completed her postgraduate studies (Solistenklasse) with honours degree in Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart where she studied with prof. Marc Engelhardt. She continued studies at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław with prof. Czesław Klonowski, where she received the PhD degree in 2015 and leads bassoon clas. In 2019 she pursued a habilitation degree.
The artist has received numerous awards at international competitions. In the Summer 2012 she won three important prizes: First Prize in IDRS Fernand Gillet – Hugo Fox Bassoon Competition in Oxford, Ohio (USA), in September the Second Prize and the Special Prize during 6th Michał Spisak International Music Competition in Dąbrowa Górnicza. Two years earlier she triumphed in Italy winning the First Prizes at the following competitions: the Gioacchino Rossini International Bassoon Competition in Pesaro and the International Competition for Young Performers in Chieri. In 2009 she won Second Prize (first not awarded) and the prize for the best interpretation of a newly written piece during the International Competition of Moscow Conservatory for Winds and Percussion. In 2016 she was awarded with the Main Prize at the 1st
Matthew Ruggiero International Woodwind Competition in Boston. She performs as a soloist and chamber musician. As a soloist she has appeared with such eminent ensembles as: Stuttgarter Kammerorchester,
Orchestra Filarmonica di Torino, Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana, Polish Radio Orchestra, NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia Varsovia, Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra in Wrocław, Polisch Chamber Orchestra in Sopot, AUKSO Chamber Orchestra in Tychy, Karol Namysłowski Symphony Orchestra in Zamość, Moscow Conservatory Symphony Orchestra.
She cooperated with many leading orchestras as a principal bassoonist: Orchestre Chambre de Lausanne (Switzerland), Royal Danish Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (Sweden), Gothenburg's Opera Orchestra, Malmö Symphony Orchestra (Sweden), Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra (Norway). Since 2007 she is a principal bassoonist of NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2014 she released her debut album Portrait (CD Accord). In 2019 she released the new album Romantic works (Orphée Classics).
Vicente Moronta, oboe
Vicente Moronta (1985), born in Venezuela, is a performer and researcher with a long career and international projection. He studied oboe with Ricardo Riveiro (Caracas), Diethelm Jonas (Lübeck) and Emanuel Abbühl (Basel); Musicology at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and
specialized in Contemporary Music at the Musik Akademie Basel, Switzerland and at the Internationale Ensemble Modern Akademie (IEMA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
For more than twelve years he was a member of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, with which he performed in the main concert halls of Asia, South America, North America and Europe. He has participated in several prestigious international festivals (such as the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, the Beethovenfest in Bonn, BBC Proms, the Edinburgh Festival, among others). He has recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, Radio National de France, Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), Westdeutschen Rundfunks (WDR), Südwestrundfunk (SWR), Institut de recherche et coordination acoustique/musique (IRCAM) and Art Music.
He has had the opportunity to collaborate with conductors Claudio Abbado, Simon Rattle, Heinz Holliger, Krzysztof Penderecki, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Gustavo Dudamel, Bruno Mantovani, Rafael Payare, among others.
Several composers such as Stefano Gervasoni, Michel Roth, Hinako Takagi, Pedro García-Velasquez, Joan Magrané-Figuera, Alex Nante, Juan Francisco Sans, Adrián Suárez, Ángel Hernández-Lovera, Tobias Krebs, Anna Sowa, Gitbi Kwon, Isandro Ojeda-García, Luis Ernesto Torres, David Hernández-Ramos, Norman Gómez-Ballester, Rodrigo Lima, Carlos Arce, among others, have written and dedicated pieces to Vicente Moronta.
He has been soloist and ensemble musician in contemporary music festivals such as ManiFeste (Paris), Milano Musica, Lucerne Festival, Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik (Witten, Germany), Impuls (Graz),
Ensems (Valencia), Klangspuren (Innsbruck), Centro de Experimentación y Producción de Música Contemporánea-CEPROMUSIC (Mexico City), Círculo Colombiano de Música Contemporánea-CCMC (Bogotá), Daegu International Contemporary Music Festival (South Korea), Time of Music (Vitaasaari,
Finland), Labo de musique contemporaine de Montreal (Canada), Sonemus (Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina), Alte Schmiede (Wien), Unehörte Musik (Berlin), Gaudeamus Muziekweek (Utrecht), Zeit Räume (Basel), FºLab (Frankfurt), Klangzeit_Begegnung (Münster) and Attacca Festival (Basel).
He has collaborated with the Oper Frankfurt, the Ensemble Modern, the Ensemble Recherche, the Hamburger Camerata, the Ensemble Phoenix, the Ensemble Proton, the Ensemble Tempux Konnex, the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, the Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco, among many
other ensembles.
Vicente Moronta is also a member of the Organizing Committee of "El Oboe y sus Laberintos" in Venezuela, a pedagogical, artistic and social project that supports young talents in his native country and brings music to the diverse audiences of the main Venezuelan cities.
Dr. Wang Shen, oboe
Wang Shen who received his doctorate in the United States, is a well-known young oboist. He is currently an oboe teacher and head of the wind department at Art School of Renmin University of China, and a guest performer with the China Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1992 he was accepted into the Central Conservatory High School division under the tutelage of Professor Zhu Dun. In 1996 he received a full scholarship to attend the Idyllwild Arts academy in Los Angeles. In 2000 he was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music studying with the former principal oboe of the New York Philharmonic Joseph Robinson.
In 2003 he received the New York Philharmonic Foundation’s award for outstanding talent. While in the United States, he worked as principal oboe with the Miami Symphony Orchestra, assistant principal oboe with the Florida Symphony, principal oboe with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, principal oboe with the Hollywood Philharmonic, principal oboe with the Miami Bach Society, principal oboe with the Greater Palm
Beach Orchestra, principal oboe with the Boca Symphony Orchestra, guest principal oboe with the Naples Philharmonic and guest artist with the New Century Orchestra. Wang Shen also gave many successful solo recitals in such places as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Tennessee and Indiana. He also was invited several times to perform solo recitals at the International Double Reed Society. Upon returning back to China in 2010, he performed a solo work on May 12th for Professor Zhu Dun’s memorial concert. This performance at the Central Conservatory received a very warm reception from the audience, which was composed of wind experts from the conservatory and around China in addition to school leaders.
In October of the same year Wang Shen was invited to perform at the 70th anniversary concert of the
Central Conservatory of Music and received great reviews. During this time he also regularly performed at the National Center of the Performing Arts. On July 3, 2011 Wang Shen performed Benjamin Britten’s Oboe Quartet No. 2 Fantasia at the Beijing Concert Hall for the International Chamber Music Festival to rave reviews. From 2013-2015 he often performed in benefit concerts for children with autism. On June 28th of 2015 he successfully put on a solo recital with his oboe students from R.U.C Art School at the Beijing Center Concert Hall.
Wannapha Yannavut, percussion
One of the most recognized percussionists in Thailand, Dr. Wannapha Yannavut
is acknowledged by fellow percussionists, both as a musician and educator. With more than twenty
years of experience in both solos and ensembles, Dr. Wannapha Yannavut has performed enormous
concerts, recitals, clinics, masterclasses all over the world, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore,
Vietnam, New Zealand, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Thailand, and the USA.
Wannapha Yannavut started her professional percussion education in 1989 at Regina Coeli
College School in Chiangmai, studying with Mr. Chumpol Channarong and Ms. Nanhathai
Vitayanantapornkul. Later she went on to study with Mr. Pinai Preechaporn at Montfort College
High School. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in Thai language and literature at Prince of
Songkhla University, she returned to music, earning the Master of Art (Music) Degree in Percussion
Performance with Mrs. Kae Reed and Mr. Shane Constant at Mahidol University, College of Music.
In 2016, she received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from the
University of Iowa, studying with Dr. Dan Moore. Additionally, she studied with Dr. John Parks for
one month at the Florida State University in 2008.
During her study in the USA, she has had many new great experiences in percussion besides
classical percussion. As a member of the UI (University of Iowa) steel band, she has played a tenor
pan and was on tour every summer for four years. Moreover, she was a percussionist of the Midwest
Center of New Music Ensemble and was invited to perform Thomas Beverly Ocotillo, solo
performance on multi-percussion, seasonally, variable electronics, and video piece at The New York
City Electroacoustic Music Festival, New York, 2014.
Continuing to develop her strong dedication for percussion music, Wannapha won the
Alternate winner and finalist of the UI Concerto and Area Competition 2014 on Emmanuel Sejourne
Marimba Concerto and Orchestra.
Since 2006, she has been an artist/instructor of percussion at Mahidol University and director
of the Integrated Percussion Ensemble. Wannapha was also the principal percussionist of the
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra from 2006-2012 and was promoted to timpanist in 2009-2012.
Despite taking the position of “principal timpanist” only one year, the orchestra voted her, “Best
Musician of TPO” in November 2010.
In 2007, she was invited to play as a soloist with the Mahidol Wind Symphony, Ney Rosauro
Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra under the baton of Major Prateep Suphanrojn. Also, she was
invited to play as a soloist with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Kazunori Miyake “Elpis”
Marimba Concerto and Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alfonso Scarano in 2022. Recently,
she was invited to solo Kai Stensgaard’s Marimba Concerto (World Premiered) with Songkhla
Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Asst. Prof. Weerasak Aksornteang in 2023.
Currently, Dr. Wannapha Yannavut is an artist/lecturer of percussion at Mahidol University
College of Music, director of the Integrated Percussion Ensemble, Principal Timpanist of the
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. She is an official endorser of Adams Musical Instruments.
Lin Weidong, percussion
Lin Weidong Teacher of Western Percussion, School of Arts, Sun Yat-sen University Director of the Percussion Society in Chinese Musicians Association Adams®.
Lin Weidong was born in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province in 1997. He has studied piano for ten years since he was a child. He learned from Lai Chunli, an expert of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Grading Examination Committee, and Huang Lu, from piano department of Fujian Vocational College of Art. After that, he engaged in percussion. Successively learned with: Li Liguang (deceased), percussionist of Fujian Symphony Orchestra; Lin Xinyuan, percussion teacher of Fujian Arts School; Yang Ruwen, percussion professor of Shanghai Conservatory of Music; Li Yajuan, percussion professor of Xinghai Conservatory of Music; Jin Jiguang, president of the Chinese Music Association Percussion Society; Liu Heng, Minister of Percussionin National Centre for the Performing Arts; Li Biao, professor of the Hans Eisler School of Music in Germany and Professor of the Central Conservatory of Music. In 2014, he was admitted to the Percussion major of the Orchestra Department of the Central Conservatory of Music with honors, and studied by Li Biao, the internationally renowned percussion soloist, conductor, percussion professor at the Hans Eisler Conservatory of Music in Germany, director of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and doctoral tutor of percussion at the Central Conservatory of Music. In 2016, he won the gold medal in the pentathlon professional group of the 11th China National Percussion Competition, the second place in multi percussion, the first place in vibraphone, the first place in marimba, and the first place in timpani.
From 2014 to 2021, he joined the Li Biao Youth Percussion Group as the main member; in school, he served as the principal of the percussion department of the China Youth Symphony Orchestra; in the same year, he performed percussion solo concerts in the Concert Hall of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Jiuritai Concert Hall. Later he appeared in "Music Weekly", "People's Music Magazine" and other publications. He has completed a number of excellent concerts with China Philharmonic Orchestra, National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of Central Conservatory of Music, Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, Dunshan Symphonic Wind Orchestra, etc.. In 2017, he entered the Graduate School of the Central Conservatory of Music for further studies with the qualification to be exempted from examination. In November, he participated in the Chinese Chamber Opera Promotion Program, which was praised by many composers and directors. In December, he served as a percussion lecturer of the Art Education course of the National Centre for the Performing Arts. In 2018, with the invitation of Fujian Grand Theater, as a soloist, he performed Lin Weidong's percussion solo concert together with conductor Li Biao, Professor Liang Danan, violin doctoral tutor of the Central Conservatory of Music, and Fujian Symphony Orchestra, which was widely praised by the industry and reported by many media. In April 2019, he was invited to perform in the 3rd Art Season Percussion Concert of Capital Normal University. From 2019 to 2020, he won the Central Conservatory of Music Scholarship for Academic Excellence and Zhao Ji Percussion Scholarship —— the only scholarship set up for percussion in China.
Lin Weidong is committed to the development and promotion of new Chinese percussion works, has premiered and recorded many new works. Lin Weidong's new solo work "Shadow Puppet" and the large-scale mixed chamber music work Asian Copper in September were respectively selected for the Beijing Culture and Art Fund-funded project and the Moscow Art Talents Composition Collection; In China's "Yanhuang Cup" Percussion Composition Competition, the 2019 debut percussion quintet "Vector II" won the Composition Award, the solo work the Trace of Shadow won the Composition Award and the Best Performance Award; in 2021, he held two academic concerts "Minimalism in Percussion I&II" at the Central Conservatory of Music, which are well received by the industry. He published the paper "Percussion Works and Their Interpretation under Minimalism" in combination with practice, which was selected as an excellent paper of the Central Conservatory of Music. As a percussion soloist, Lin Weidong is active in major concerts and public welfare performances. He has played in the National Grand Theater, Beijing Zhongshan Concert Hall, Beijing Concert Hall, Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, Central Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, Jiu Ri Tai Concert Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, Fujian Grand Theater, Jinan Grand Theater, Guangzhou Grand Theater, Tianjin Grand Theater, etc. In the process of study and practice, he has participated in nearly 100 performances of solo, ensemble, modern new works, symphonic classical music, chamber music, etc.; in terms of teaching, influenced by Wang Yue, percussionist of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and associate professor of percussion at Capital Normal University, he followed to study percussion teaching and became a professional percussion teacher, with a lot of experience in playing and teaching. Lin Weidong is still striving to become a better musician and teacher, and will continue to learn more knowledge to enrich himself and leave more beautiful music moments.
Michal Markuszewski, organ
Born in Warsaw in 1980. In 2004 he graduated with honours from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw in organ class Prof. Joachim Grubich and in 2005 in piano class Prof. Kazimierz Gierżod.
In 2007 he completed postgraduate studies at Universität der Künste in Berlin (organ improvisation class Prof. Wolfgang Seifen) and in 2008 Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg (organ master class Prof. Christoph Bossert).
His greatest achievements are: 2nd prize in Polish Contemporary XX Century Organ Music Competition in Legnica (1998), 1st prize in International Organ Music Competition in Rumia (2000), as well as an honourable mention for the best performance of pieces by J.S. Bach. He also received the prize founded by president of the city of Gdańsk and 3rd prize in International Organ Music Competition in Zürich-Wiedikon (2007).
In 2007 he received a scholarship from Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
He gave many concerts at international festivals in Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine, Slovakia, Great Britain and in over 170 cities in Germany.
He took part in master classes taught by such famous artists as: Guy Bovet, Aleksander Fiseyski, Julian Gembalski, Lorenzo Ghielmi, Jean Guillou, Bernhard Haas, Naji Hakim, Rudolf Innig, Edgar Krapp, Olivier Latry, Heribert Metzger, Peter Planyawski, Martin Sander, Christopher Stembridge.
He cooperated with many renowned soloists, such as Polish Chamber Choir Schola Cantorum Gedanensis, Camerata Varsovia choir, Camerata Janáček orchestra, Collegium instrumentale Bochum orchestra, Jeunesses Musicales.
He made several CD recordings (Organum Classics, Label Harp, DUX). His recording made on historic organs in the Reformed Church in Warsaw (DUX 0707) received a nomination for Polish music industry award FRYDERYK in two categories. He also made several radio and TV-recordings.
He made first performances of contemporary Polish organ music as well as chamber organ music.
He is also interested in problems of restoration of historic Polish organs. He is a member of Association for Researches and Conservation of Silesian Organ (VEESO), german Society of Organ Enthusiasts GdO (since 2001). He cooperates with editors of Polish Internet Organ Inventory. He prepared the documentation of over 350 Polish historical organs.
On his initiative, restoration work was carried out on the historical organ (built by Schlag und Söhne) in the Reformed Church in Warsaw (2004-2008), where he has served as organist since 2004.
For several years he has been involved in events and cultural management. He is initiator and artistic director of an international cycle of organ concerts on historical organ built by Schlag und Söhne in 1900 in the Reformed Church in Warsaw.
From 2012 he teaches organ improvisation at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.
Özlem Er Civelek, double bass
Özlem Er Civelek
Associate Professor at Baskent University in Ankara. Double Bass/ Türkiye
Born in Mersin, (south Turkey). Upon receiving a well-earned scholarship, she started double bass education with Zurab Tsitsuachvili at Bilkent University in Music High School in 1997. In 2005, she successfully graduated form Bilkent University, double bass BMus degree. During her education, she took place in the chamber Music, master classes and Symphony Orchestras both in her school or other places.
Taking awards and scholarship both for her education and her success, in master class in France,( IV Rencontres Musicales Internationales de Graves` organised by Mstislav Rostropovich, in September 2005,) she had a scholarship and successfully entered at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and started studying with Professor Thomas Martin in her master degree.
After her great success of playing, Thomas Martin invited her to his master class in Tarragona in 2006, International De Musica De Tarragona.
In July 2006 she graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama for MMus programme and the following year she gained the Artist Diploma Degree in 2008. During her education, she had many solo concerts at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and in London. Besides this, she took place as a principal Double Bassist in both in the Chamber and Symphony orchestras in GSMD.
She had many award for her education by The Leverhulme Trust, The Linklaters Endowment, Barbican Award and Eczacıbaşi Young Artist Award.
She joins some Symphony Orchestras, both in her school and other places conducted by Colin Davis, Valery Gergiev, Thilson Thomas, Diego Masson, Sian Edwards, Paolo Olmi, Mark Shanahan, George Benjamin and Emil Tabakov. Not only for orchestral works, had she also taken place master classes around the world, with Thomas Martin, Tim Cobb, Giuseppe Ettore, Charlie Haden, Volkan Orhon, Aykut Dursen.
She took in tutti position in London Symphony Orhestra in 2006 in London.
The İnternational Tubin Society in Estonia interested her Doctoral Thesis about Tubin Double Bass Concerto and publish her success on their website.
She has a great musical performance on double bass from Bach to modern compositons like Kassern, from Piazzolla to 21.centuries compositons such as Knific.
Right now, she is the principal double bass player in the Chamber Orchestra called “the Orchestra Academic Baskent” in her home town.
She graduated from Hacettepe University State Conservatory, the class of Prof. Burak Karaağaç and took Doctoral Degree in 2021.
She became an Associate Proffesor in Music. She has continued her Double Bass lessons in Baskent University State Conservatory in Ankara. Not only teaching and playing the orchestra but she also has written articles about double bass study and double bass music that have been contributed to the international academic disciplinary.
Burak Karaagac, double bass
Prof. Dr. Burak Karaagac
Master organized in many countries of the world from Brazil to Turkey and USA. to Poland leading masterclass International Double Bass side of the provision that jury member in the contest as well, just in 2014-2020 years among His students participated with their Doublebass competitions, who has received great praise and interest in the Local and International press by winning 19 First, 7 Second 2 best comments and 4 special awards. Burak Karaağaç graduated from Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory in 1998. He continued his academic career at Bilkent University Music and Performing Arts Institute. He completed his Master's program in 2007 and Proficiency in Art (Doctorate) in 2010 with high honor. In 2011, he completed the Overseas Specialization (Post-Doc.) Program on the Doublebass Instructor at the Polish Karol Lipinski Music Academy. After returning to the country, he received the title of Associate Professor , he was deemed worthy of an award by Hacettepe University Rectorate for his achievements at home and abroad. He still continues studies as a proffosor in Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory.
Calvin Wong, saxophone
Being an emerging saxophone artist and pedagogue on international stages and institutions, Calvin Wong promotes the upbringing of young saxophonists and emerging composers. His artistry has brought him to Austin, Bangkok, Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, Iceland, Nanjing, New York, Phoenix, Scotland, Singapore, Soochow, Taiwan, and Zagreb. Performances were broadcast at KMFA 89.5 and RTHK. Calvin received the Gold Medal of the 4th Manhattan International Music Competition, and First Prize of the VIII Stockholm International Music Competition. As a founding member of Kodachrome saxophone quartet, he has received gold medals at the 50th Fischoff, 10th Plowman, and 10th Coltman Chamber Music Competitions.
Calvin served as a graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State University while pursuing his doctorate degree under the tutelage of Christopher Creviston. His debut album was released in Spring 2023. For more information, please visit www.calvin-wong.com.
Ivan Dyma, saxophone
Ivan Dyma - multi-saxophonist, soloist of the Obraztsov’s theatre, professor at the A. Schnittke Institute of Music. Laureate of All-Russian and International Competitions, Artist of the “Firebird” Theater, Artist of the Yamaha Company, Member of the Musical Society under the guidance of the Rector of the Moscow Conservatory A. Sokolov.
Ivan’s performances as a solo artist were accompanied by continued success in the halls of New York (USA), Badenweiler, Essen, Karlsruhe (Germany), Bogota (Colombia), Tel Aviv (Israel), Druskininkai (Lithuania), as well as Russian cities (Moscow, Novosibirsk, Kirov, Ryazan, Yakutsk, Tyumen, etc.). The play “Old Senor” in the Obraztsov’s theatre, in which Ivan plays solo on three varieties of the saxophone and two Colombian traditional instruments, was awarded the title of Laureate of the Russian National Prize “Golden Mask”, 2014.
The solo concerts of the performer were held at the Helikon-Opera Theater, the Moscow Conservatory, the Pavel Slobodkin’s Center, the Alexei Kozlov’s Jazz Club, the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Anglican Cathedral of St. Andrey and other prestigious concert venues. Ivan gave a solo concert with maestro Fabio Mastrangelo and the orchestra Symphonica Artica.
He has performed at prestigious international jazz and classical festivals, such as the Akkordeonherbst (Germany), “Ethnosphere”, “The Music of the Earth”, “The Absolute Baroque” and many others.
He performed with the masters of classical and jazz music: Boris Berezovsky, Arkady Shilkloper, Vladimir Chekasin, Fabio Mastrangelo, Alexander Zagorinsky. He collaborated with composers Andrei Eshpay, Armando Gidoni, Yuri Chugunov, Mark Watters, Alexei Kozlov, Vladimir Chekasin and many others.
Ivan gives master classes to saxophonists throughout Russia and abroad (Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Poland). Plays all saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone)
Ding Zhang, saxophone
Ding Zhang was borned in ShenZhen (China) in 1992. He studied with Marie-Bernadette Charrier at the “Conservatoire de Bordeaux Jaque’s Thibaud” (France) and “Pôle enseignement supérieur musique et danse Bordeaux Aquitaine” (France). After finishing his studying in France, he studied the Master of Arts in Musical Performance in the Hochschüle für Musik of Basel (Switzerland) under the guidance of Marcus Weiss, where he obtained the highest grade in class. During his study, Zhang has been given advices and feedbacks from Jean-Marie Londeix, Claude Delangle, Pierre- Stephane Meugé, Jean Michel Goury, Ferenc Rados and Silvia Simionescu. He won the Anerkennungspreise of the BOG competition in Basel in 2018 and was a semi-finalist of the 5th Jean- Marie Londeix competition in 2017. Zhang has given recitals in China, Singapore, Spain, France, Thailand and Switzerland, and has taken part in many international festivals, including Darmstadt Neue Musik Ferien (Germany), Singapore Saxophone Symposium (Singapore), Zurich SaxFest (Switzerland), World Saxophone Congress (Croatia), KlangBasel
(Basel, Switzerland), L.A Sax (Bordeaux, France) and Saxopen’15 (France). Zhang is a member of Kugel Ensemble. He received scholarships from Stiftung Dozerien, Alava Provincial deputation, Haiku Stiftung, DOMS Stiftung and Hochschule für Musik Basel. Now Zhang is the Principal Lecture of saxophone and chamber music/contemporary chamber music responser in school of art in Sun Yat-sen university in China.
Shin Iwamoto, saxophone
In 1982, I won the first place in the International Youth Music Competition.
In 1984, entered the Department of Instrumental Music, Tokyo University of the Arts.
While in school, joined the Fine Arts Saxophone Ensemble and the HARMO Saxophone Quartet. Performed on NHK-FM broadcasts and performed concerts and clinics around the country.
Graduated from the university in 1988. Appeared in a rookie concert hosted by the same group. Participated in the 9th World Saxophone Congress (Kawasaki, Japan) and received praise from members of the Daniel de Fayette Quartet. The following year, he traveled to France and participated in an Ancy class (instructor: Daniel Deffayet). Since then, he has been active in solo, studio work, domestic orchestra extras, the Japan Super Band, and the Tokyo Band. Lecturer at Senzoku Gakuen Uozu Junior College, Tokyo Music & Media Arts Shobi, Hamamatsu Gakugei High School.
In 2000, I performed the world premiere of "Alto Saxophone and Children's Suite for Band" composed by Alfred Reed in Denver, Colorado, USA. Since 2001, has participated in the Quatre Roseaux Saxophone Ensemble. The following year, I performed at the Asian Contemporary Music Festival (Seoul, Korea). Served as an extra for major domestic orchestras such as Saito Kinen Orchestra and NHK Symphony Orchestra, I participated in Japanese performances such as the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Super World Orchestra. Released CDs mainly for chamber music.
Currently, Professor at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. As the director of the saxophone orchestra, I arranged many arrangements and produced CDs for P. Graham, "War of the Worlds", J. Vandel Roost, "Adolphe Sax 200", and Hiroshi Hoshina, "The Rebirth".
JSFest 2020-2022
Jury
Diego Caetano, Brazilia / USA
Brazilian-American pianist Diego Caetano has been performing widely as soloist and chamber musician throughout the USA, Brazil, Chile, Europe, Asia, and Africa, including performances at New York's Carnegie Hall, Yokohama's Philia Hall, Lisbon's Palácio da Foz, Rio de Janeiro's Sala Cecília Meireles, and London's Royal Albert Hall.
Diego Caetano received the top prizes in more than fifty national and international piano competitions. He has frequently served as a masterclass clinician and competition adjudicator in various universities and conservatories around the globe and has presented at various national and international conferences about pedagogical works by Brazilian composers, effective practicing techniques, and performance anxiety. He has recently released the CD “French Connection: Violin Sonatas of the 20th Century” with violinist Evgeny Zvonnikov for the Italian-Japanese label DaVinci Classics.
Diego Caetano maintains an active schedule as an educator. His students have received prizes at national and international piano competitions. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director at Ávila International Music Festival in Ávila (Spain). He is a Professor of Piano at Sam Houston State University and a Shigeru Kawai Artist.
Borislava Taneva, Bulgaria
Borislava Taneva is a pianist-performer, a composer, a pedagogue, a chamber musician, an organiser of musical events. Her active participation in the contemporary cultural life in Bulgaria and abroad defines her as a successful, multispectral musician.
She was born in Sofia in the family of distinguished musicians and started her musical education at a very early age. She completed her master’s degree in piano and composition at the National Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov” in Sofia. There are some other world famous professors like Jacob Lateiner,Germaine Mounier, Vera Gornostaeva and Ludwig Hoffmann who also played a role in her development as a performer. Borislava Taneva has been a laureate of national and international piano, chamber music and composition competitions in Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, Greece, etc. She has performed multiple recitals in Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Brasil, Switzerland, Lithuania, Israel, France, Norway, Macedonia, Spain, etc. After her graduation Borislava Taneva started work as an assistant professor in the Piano Department of the Performance Faculty of the National Music Academy /NMA/ in Sofia. Currently she is a piano and pedagogical practice professor at NMA in Sofia and vice rector of the Academy.
In 2012 a Doctor's degree (PHD) was conferred on Borislava Taneva. For several years she had great success, teaching Interpretation of Contemporary Music in Athens.She gives masterclasses and delivers seminars on various topics at music colleges and academies in Greece, Swiss, France, USA, Luxembourg, Brasil, Spain, USA, Singapore, Norway, Italy etc. Prof. Taneva has appeared as a jury member in many national and international piano competitions in Greece, France, Vienna, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Serbia etc. Her students have been awarded with numerous of prizes from national and international forums and competitions. She is the author of several opuses of piano pieces for beginners, edited by MUSICA FERRUM in London. She is the founder and a member of the Swiss-Bulgarian Association of Culture – SBAC, based in Geneva. B. Taneva was awarded with special prizes for her contribution to Bulgarian culture.
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Chaerin Kim, USA
A multi-instrumentalist, being one of the very few in the world who you can see performing as a soloist with two instruments on the same stage with an orchestra, internationally acclaimed harpist, pianist, composer, and professor Dr. Chaerin Kim is the winner of several international competitions. She was the winner of the Special Prize of Best Performance of Russian Music at the International Harp Competition in Russia, winner of the Future Classic Women Award from the London Radio Station, the CFA Award and Department Honor Award from Boston University, the Garrett Award, Foundation Award, and Julia Leney Harp Prize in London, the Soloist Competition Winner at Ewha University, Kaywon School for the Arts, and Boston University, the Bronze Medalist for Solo Piano at the Walgan Music Competition, and winner of the Grand Prize from the Korean Student's Newspaper.
She has been featured as a soloist on both instruments: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Debussy Danses for Harp, Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto with UMB Orchestra, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Boston Chamber Orchestra, the Ginastera Harp Concerto with BU Symphony Orchestra, Ginastera Harp Concerto with Seongnam Philharmonic, a Guest Soloist of the International Music Festival broadcast live in Korea, Ravel's Introduction and Allegro and Debussy's Danses with Yonsei Sinfonietta, and the Pierne Harp Concerto with EU Orchestra. Her harp performance has been used for the British movie Kaleidoscope (Main actor Toby Jones), which was the winner of Best Performance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. As a composer, her composition, Rendezvous, has 100 versions, including versions for orchestra, harp, piano, and voice, with lyrics written by her and translated into 80 different languages, and the orchestral version of Rendezvous had its world premiere in Boston, Massachusetts. She released 146 songs (7 Albums and 91 Singles), and many of her music was aired on the radio stations in U.S., and UK. Most recently, she was nominated for and awarded the Future Classic Women Awards through the London Radio Station, who interviewed her twice, and also interviewed with WCPE Radio in the U.S.
Dr. Kim's musical studies began when she was six years old. She majored in piano at the Yewon Music Middle School, while also beginning studies in cello and voice. After Yewon, she went on to attend Kaywon High School of Arts, where she continued to major in piano. In her last year, at the age of eighteen, she also started lessons on harp, and six months later won the Soloist Audition for Harp. She received her B.A. with Highest Honors from Ewha University in Seoul – then, while pursuing her master's degree at Ewha, she was offered a scholarship for a PGD at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she graduated with "distinction." She got her M.M. from Yale University on a scholarship, graduating summa cum laude. She was invited to the Artist's Diploma program at Yale and Graduate Diploma Program at New England Conservatory – however, she decided to pursue her doctorate at Boston University, where she was offered a full scholarship. She was the "quickest recipient of a Doctorate" in BU Music School's history, completing it in three and a half years.
As a contest judge and jury, Dr. Kim was the artistic director of the USA International Music Competition in 2010, and in 2021& 2022, she is judging at 12 international competitions for both harp and piano: the Music International Grand Prix in New York, the King's Peak International Music Competition in California, the World Vision Music Contest in Germany, the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition in Canada, the International Music Competition in Serbia, Music Modern in Ukraine, Performer's Certificate in Thailand, Musical South Palmyra in Ukraine, the International Youth Music Competition in Atlanta, Danubia International Music Competition in Hungary, Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival and Competition in Australia, IX Stockholm International Music Competition in Sweden, and IX JSFest International Instrumental Music Competition in Finland. Dr. Kim was formerly a professor at Eastern Nazarene College, where she taught harp, piano, music theory and music history classes, and was also the former Head of the Harp Department at Adagio Music Academy and South Shore Conservatory. Currently, she is an artistic director of UIMC, an artist with the TTF Entertainment company in China, and a professor of both instruments; harp and piano at University of Massachusetts Boston, Schloss Akademie in Germany, and harp and piano through the Office of Arts at Harvard University.
Anzhelika Sidorova, Russia
Teacher, member of orchestra
Chuvash Republic honoured culture worker, Honour culture worker of Russian Federation, Teacher of higher qualification, Flute teacher in Cheboksary musical school named after S.M.Maksimov, teacher of Cheboksary musical college named after F.P.Pavlov, senior lecture of the instrumental performance department of the Chuvash State University named after I.N.Ulyanov, senior lecture of the Chuvash State Institute of Culture and Art; actor of the Chuvash State academic symphony chapel.
Being a leaver of the Kazan conservatory conducted expert-classes in Klin, Perm, Uzhgorod, Kazan, Joshkar-Ola, Moscow, Shatarujkhel (Hungury).
Winner of the city competition "Public recognition" under nomination "Person of the year" (2009) - 3-rd place; awarded with the 1st degree diploma of the 1st Republican competition "Teacher of the year: Cheboksary 2003"; laureate of the all-Russia competition "Young Talents of Russia" under nomination "Best Teacher of the art school for children of Russian Federation" (2009, 2014). Winner of the city competition "Public Recognition" under nomination "I give my sole to children" (2011) - 1st place. 1st prize laureate and status of the "Best Teacher of the art school for children" of Chuvash Republic (2014). Diploma of Honour of the Head of Chuvash Republic (2015). Awarded with diplomas of Honour of the Russian Federation Ministry on nationality cause, information policy and archiving of the Chuvash Republic. Head of administration of Cheboksary, of the Head of administration of Cheboksary, of the Union of composers of Chuvashia and editorial staff of encyclopedia "Best people of Russia" , inlisted in "Billboard of Honour" heading of the annual all-Russia encyclopedia "Talented children - Future of Russia".
Konstantin Krasnitsky, Belarus / Croatia
Konstantin Krasnitsky is the absolute winner, laureate of the 1. Prize of the Competition Jury and of the Special prize awarded by the audience at the 1st International Pianist Competition EPTA (European Piano Teachers Association) „Svetislav Stančić“ in Zagreb in 1999. At the 3rd International Pianist Competition
„S. V. Rachmaninov“ in Moscow in 2002 he won the fourth Prize and the title of the laureate. He is the winner of the Special prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in 2002.
He was born in Minsk into the family of professional musicians, he received his first piano lessons from his mother Valentina Krasnitskaya, who was the pianist. At the age of five he enrolled in the Secondary music school for specially talented and gifted children in the class of the professor Yevgeny Puksta.
After successful completion thereof he continued his education at the Belarusian State Academy of Music in the class of the renowned professor Vladimir Nekhaenko. Young Krasnitsky was greatly influenced by the acquaintance of the famous Russian pianist and professor of the Moscow, Trossingen and Warsaw Music Academies, Viktor Karpovič Meržanov with whom he continued his studies for seven years. Konstantin Krasnitsky received his Master's degree from the Belarusian State Academy of Music in Minsk, where from 1999 he continued to work as a pedagogue. Soon he attained the position of piano professor of honour at the Anyang Normal University in China, assistant professor of the Belarusian State Academy of Music and associate professor of the Academy of Arts, at the J.J.Strossmayer University in Osijek.
The piano study at the Academy of Arts in Osijek has been founded thanks to his arrival to Osijek and a number of his students have been awarded at international music competitions and festivals.
Krasnitsky has been equally involved in pedagogical work and active concerting. He has been performing as a soloist, in an ensamble and orchestras in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the United States of America, China, Tajikistan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Turkey, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Srbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with leading orchestras in Belarus such as the President's Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, Symphony Orchestra of the national academy Great Theatre and Balet of the Republic of Belarus, State academy simphony orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, State chamber orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, Symphony orchestra of the city of Gomel, Symphony orchestra of the city of Molodechno, Symphony orchestra of the Belarus State Music Academy „the Young Belarus“ as well as with international orchestras such as the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, St.Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, Symphony orchestra of the Croatian Radio and Television, Croatian Chamber Orchestra, Varaždin Chamber Orchestra. He worked together with a number of renowned musicians such as Pavle Dešpalj, Vladimir Ziva, Berislav Šipuš, Yevgeny Xaviereff, Genadij Provatorov etc. He performed at the Berlin Konzerthaus and also at the Great ,"Rachmaninov" and Small Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Queen Elisabeth Hall in London, Volkstheateru in Vienna, Concert Hall „Vatroslav Lisinski“ and Croatian Music Institute in Zagreb, at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk, Steinway Chamber Hall in Copenhagen etc.
He also performed at numerous festivals of piano music in Belarusian cities e.g. Minsk, Brest, Mogilev and Grodno, at the festival „the Minsk Spring of 1999“, „the Minsk Spring of 2003“, „ Art to Children and Youth“, at the concerts of the 1st prize winners with the Belarus State Philharmonic and leading festivals in Croatia e.g. „Piano-Fortisssimo“ in Zagreb, the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, the Senj Concert Evenings, the Days of Milko Kelemen, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, May Music Memorial “Josip Štolcer Slavenski",
The Osijek Museum Musical Wednesday, "Romberg Musical Evenings" and other.
He has played the premier of the compositions by Croatian composers Davor Bobić, Josip Štolcer Slavenski and Sanja Drakulić and when he performed Tango by Kelemen at the festival „the Days of Milko Kelemen“ the composer himself was so delighted and thrilled with the performance that in the middle of the concert he asked Krasnitsky to play it once again! Krasnitsky has also done radio recordings.
He has been a guest in TV shows in Belarus, Russia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He is a member of the Croatian Society of Music Artists. „As the gentle giant he even looks a bit like the young Rachmaninov, Krasnitsky had the most sheerly beautiful sound – sumptuous and mellow – which he achieved with wonderful economy” ( 25th April 2002 “ In Searching of New Stars” The Independent, London) “In the performance of the young Belarus pianist I have heard a number of pieces by S.V. Rachmaninov including his Second sonata and that was the most impressive performance of all performances that I have ever heard ( 5th June 2004, from a letter, Dmitry Bashkirov, Minneapolis, USA)
Yevgeny Baev, Russia
Yevgeny Anatolyevich Baev (born July 15, 1952, Pervouralsk, Sverdlovsk Oblast) is a Russian guitarist and composer.
In 1977 he graduated from the Ural State Conservatory. M. P. Mussorgsky. Currently he works as a teacher of a guitar class in dshi № 1 the city of Tver (Russia). In 1988, Yevgeny Anatolyevich created an instrumental duo "Musical miniatures" (violin - Elena muravyeva, guitar - Evgeny bayev) for whom he wrote a concert repertoire. The duo "Musical Miniatures" performed concert programs in many cities in Russia, Italy, Latvia, Germany, France and the United States. Currently, the list of writings by author Eugene. Baeva consists of 500 works for guitar, guitar duo, for guitar-violin, guitar-violin-viola, guitar-violin-cello ensembles, for domra-guitar, balalaiki, vocal compositions, for Symphony orchestra, for chamber orchestra, for Russian orchestra. From 2019 - 2020 he wrote four symphonies, five children's musical stories for ORNI and choir: "the adventures of Cipollino", the Show Suite "Malachite box", "jazz-teremok", "Elena wonderraya", "Magic story", thirty symphonic legends (symphonic legends + choir from Greece, Ireland, Poland, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, etc.)
Ulrich Walther, Germany
Ulrich Walther was born in 1980 in Hagen, Germany, and studied concert organ, church and school music, and music education at the State Conservatory for Music & Performing Arts in Stuttgart, where his teachers were Ludger Lohmann, Jürgen Essl, Hans-Martin Corrinth and Willibald Bezler. He then furthered his musical training through private studies with David Sanger, and through participation in numerous masterclasses with artists such as Hans-Ola Ericsson, Lorenzo Ghielmi, Jon Laukvik, Daniel Roth, Gerhard Weinberger and Heinz Wunderlich. He has won prizes in several international competitions, including Second Prize and Special Prize in Graz (2006) and First Prize and Audience Prize at the St. Albans International Organ Competition (2007), as well as First Prize and Special Messiaen Prize in the International BACH | LISZT Organ Competition Erfurt – Weimar – Merseburg, performing on historic organs (2008). As the recipient of a grant from the German Music Council, he was admitted in 2010/11 to the national-level selection in Young Artists’ Concerts. Following a two-year stint as a visiting professor, Ulrich Walther was appointed Professor of Organ at the University of Music & Performing Arts in Graz. As a concert artist, he has been the guest of prestigious festivals in Europe, Russia and America, including ION Nürnberg, Jeunesse Wien, St. Albans International Organ Festival, Thüringer Bachwochen, Notre Dame in Chartres, St.-Bavokerk in Haarlem, the Cathedral of Merseburg, the Concert Hall in Bamberg, Capella St. Petersburg, St. James Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, Moscow International House of Music, Frederiksborg Castle in Copenhagen and Birmingham Town Hall. Concurrently, his artistic profile is complemented by teaching courses at home and abroad, improvisations for silent films, CD and radio recordings, publications in specialised journals and serving as a jury member for competitions. Former students include prize-winners at international competitions. His research currently focuses on historical performance practice, as well as innovative musical practice within the area between transcription and composition: 4-CD set of Max Reger’s complete organ arrangements (2018), synoptic CD-project with Bach Trio sonatas in historic, romantic and jazz versions (2018), musicological thesis “concepts of interpretation and transcription on the organ” (2021).
Vladislav Provotar, Russia
Vladislav Provotar is an accomplished cellist, senior tutor at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, an artist of the Russian National Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Maestro Vladimir Spivakov.
Mr Provotar began his studies at First Music School of Ryazan, tutor N.Danshina, followed by Central Music School at the P.I.Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, part of the class led by Professor Aleksei Seleznev. In 2003 he enrolled into the Gnessins Specialized Music School, after graduation he continued his study in People’s Artist of Russia, Professor Vladimir Tonkha class at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music.
Mr Provotar has participated and won plaudits at numerous international music competitions, including
- winner of International A.Janigro Violoncellist Competition in Croatia (2003)
- winner of Russian National Competition Novae Imena in Khanty Mansiisk (2004)
- diploma winner of a prestigious UNESCO program for cellists in People’s Artist of Russia, Professor Tonkha class as well as in chamber ensemble class led by People’s Artist of Russia Professor T.A. Gaidamovich (2004-2005)
- winner of XVIII Citta di Barletta competition in Italy (2008)
- diploma winner at the Ist S.M.Kozolupov All-Russian Competition for Cellists (Moscow, 2009)
- winner of the S.N. Knushevitsky International Competition for Cellists (Saratov, 2012)
In 2013 Mr Provotar has successfully and with honours defended his Master’s Thesis “Cello Applicanture Principles”. In 2015 Mr Provotar has featured in the nationally televised program “Music Lesson”.
In 2020 together with S.Ushakova Mr Provotar recorded and released an album of 24 Preludes for Cello and Piano by S.Tsintsadze.
Actively touring Russia and Europe.
Daniela Iolkicheva, Bulgaria/Spain
Michel Plasson - “Daniela is an extraordinary harpist with a highly consolidated technique and enchanting musicality.”
Daniela was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. At the age of 9, she started to study the piano and five years later, commenced her harp studies in the L. Pipkov Musical Institute with Constance Karadjova.
In 1980, she received the harp position in the Bulgarian PIONER Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1984, Daniela commenced her studies in the Sofia National Conservatoire. A year later, she won a scholarship to study at the Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatoire in St. Petersburg, where, in 1990 and under the direction of the renowned harpist Tatiana Tauer, she obtained a PhD in Harp studies (as the first study instrument) and a further PhD in Piano studies (as a second study instrument), graduating with first-class honours (Summa Cum Laude).
The following prizes Daniela has won are worth noting: Silver medal in the 7th Bulgarian National Harp Competition (1985), where she also received the Special Prize for the Youngest Participant; she was a prize winner in the International Festivals in Moscow and St. Petersburg (1988); the Andrés Segovia and José Miguel Ruiz Morales prize as the most distinguished student in the Música en Compostela competition, awarded by the prestigious harpist Nicanor Zabaleta; the Jakez François 1st prize in the 1st Iberian Chamber Music with Harp Competition in Madrid (2004), with violinist Sergei Teslia.
In 1991, Daniela received the harp soloist position in the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra. Since 2002, she has been the harp tutor at the Special School for Music at San Francisco de Paula School in Seville. She also gives master classes sponsored by grants awarded by the Junta de Andalucía (the Andalusian regional government) and the Asociación Amigos de la ROSS (the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra Fellowship).
In 2017, she was named as the tenured harp lecturer for the Master’s degree in Soloist Performance, speciality: Harp Studies at the KATARINA GURSKA Centre for Higher Musical Education, Madrid.
Since 2002, Daniela has led an intensely active career as a soloist and also in chamber music duos with María Antonia Rodríguez, flute soloist in the RTVE Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, in conjunction with Don José Enrique Ayarra, Seville Cathedral’s principal organist, Daniela performed a concert of 19th and 20th century music with an electroacoustic harp in the aforementioned cathedral. This repertoire had never before been performed with this type of harp. For the occasion, the instrument was loaned by the Victor Salvi Foundation.
Composers such as Antonio Noguera, Esteban Sanz Vélez, Julio Lozano, Martín Zalba, Luis Ignacio Marín and Gualberto García have dedicated works to her.
Daniela has recorded with many different record labels for Bulgarian, Russian, Spanish and Italian national radio and television broadcasters. She frequently performs in recitals, chamber ensembles in Europe, the USA, Russia and Asia. Furthermore, she performs with highly prestigious orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London), the Symphony Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, the State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, the Symphony Orchestra of India, the Gürzenich Orchester Köln and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville, working with conductors such as Maazel, Muti, Jansons, Lazarev, Rostropovich, Plasson, etc. In addition, Daniela frequently performs at festivals, for instance: the Santander International Festival, International Harp Festival “Northern Lyre”, Mariinsky Theatre, the Festival of Granada, Clásicos en Verano and the Festival Dei Due Mondi – Spoleto…
Ivan Agafonov, Russia
Ivan Agafonov is a co-principal viola of the Russian National Orchestra under M. Pletnev. Since 2017 he has his own viola class in Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
After graduating with honors from The Central music school in 2010 ( viola class of Honored Teacher of the Russian Federation Mariya Sitkovskaya ), he continued his education in Moscow Conservatory in the class of Honored Artist of Russia, professor Alexander Bobrovsky. In 2016 Ivan has made his Master Performance Degree in Zurich University of Arts in the class of professor Christoph Schiller, where he also had his conducting lessons with Marc Kissoczy. After graduation Ivan has come back to Moscow and completed his postgraduate studies in Moscow Conservatory.
Being a prizewinner of many international competitions, he regularly performs as a soloist with chamber and symphony orchestras in Russia and Europe, besides he takes part in different chamber music projects.
Dilbağ Tokay, Turkey
Dilbağ Tokay (cello)
Dilbağ Tokay started studying the cello at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University İstanbul State Conservatory with Reşit Erzin, and received her DMA from the same Conservatory. She has worked with prominent cellists such as M. Khomitzer, N. Ullner, F. Berthold, A. Rudin and has given numerous recitals, chamber and orchestral concerts as a soloist in Serbia, Sweden, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Kygyzstan, Pakistan, Syria, India and Brazil. She has given masterclasses in Bulgaria, Serbia, Kygyzstan and Brazil. Additionally, she has given masterclasses in Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy and Turkey. With Emine Serdaroğlu, as CelloPianoDuo, she has received superb international feedback after performances at prestigious concert halls and festivals. Their “Turkish Music for Cello and Piano” CD is released by NAXOS and was awarded 2016 “Recording of the Year Award” at the prestigious Donizetti Classical Music Awards. For her instrumental teaching rôle at MSFAU Istanbul State Conservatory, Tokay has been awarded numerous prizes for excellence from international competition bodies.
Vladimir Gourevich, Russia
In 1971 he graduated from the Leningrad State Conservatory N. And. Rimsky-Korsakov (piano class of Professor. S.M.Chenevoy, class music theory of Professor Yu.N.Tyulin). In 1972 he defended his thesis in 1990 - a doctoral. Professor (1993). Sphere of scientific interests - the history of Russian music, musical culture of the Central Asia, problems of contemporary music education. In 1969-76, he worked in Turkmenistan. From 1976 to 1999 worked in Higher Trade-Union school of culture (Humanitarian University of trade unions), in 1999 - at the Academy of postgraduate pedagogical education, 2004 - in Russian pedagogical university A.I. Herzen. Invited Professor at the Institute of musicology at Leipzig University. The author of five monographs, more than four hundred articles in scientific journals of Russia and foreign countries. Specializes in the genres of piano ensemble and accompaniment. Zam. Chairman of the St. Petersburg Association of piano duets. Chairman of the organizing Committee of the competition «Brother and Sister», member of the jury all-Russian competition of piano duets A.G. Bahchieva. The author of original compositions, arrangements and transcriptions for choir heard on the Philharmonic stages in different countries. One of the leaders of the Union of Composers of Russia, since 1994 - Chairman of the audit Committee of the UK St. Petersburg, from 1995 to 2010 - Chairman of the audit Committee of the IC of Russia. At the tenth Congress of the Union of composers of Russia (2010) elected Secretary of this creative organization. Chairman of the Dissertation Council of the faculty of music University A.I. Herzen. Honorary worker of higher professional education of Russia (2012).
Denis Oswer, Russia
Denis Oswer (oboe). Soloist of the group of oboes in the State Art Organization "New Russia" Graduated from the Gnessin Academy under Professor Lyubimov in 1997. In 1998. received the highest degree from Boston University, where he studied in the class of prof. Gomberg.
After receiving a master's degree, he continued his education at the University of Hartford in the class of Professor Lucarelli, America's leading solo oboist. In 1998.
Denis Oswer became a laureate of the "Emerson Quartet" Since 2014, Denis Oswer has been actively involved in teaching. Its students are laureates of numerous competitions. Some students from D. Oswer's class enter leading European universities.
Zoraida Avila, Spain
She graduated at Tchakovsky Moscow Conservatory, where she studied with the eminent harpist Vera Dulova, obtaining a "Master of Arts" (1983) and "Philosophical Doctor" (1985). She also has the title of "The Associated of Royal College of Music", London, UK (1989). She has received awards in international competitions and festivals such as the National Harp Competition of the USSR (1984) and the "Andrés Segovia" Spanish Music Award. She has performed in Venezuela, USSR, Russia, Bulgaria, England, Belgium, Denmark, Algeria, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Greece, Norway, India and China.
In some of these countries She performed for television and the recordings of her interpretations are often broadcast by different radio stations worldwide.
She has participated in several international festivals: First Latin American Harp Festival, San Jose, Costa Rica; XV Festival do Estoril, Portugal; II World Harp Festival in Cardiff, Wales; VII Festival of El Hatillo, Venezuela, 5th European Harp Symposium in Amsterdam, Netherlands among others.
She recorded a CD with the chamber music group " Isolda" (1989) Her Solo reccordings have earned her praise from international critics: "Between Two Worlds" (1986) with repertoire transcribed and dedicated to Nicanor Zabaleta; and "Paths" (1998) published by the University of Curaçao, which shows her work as a transcriber and arranger of Latin American music.
She has been a member of the Jury in several competitions: The "International Competition of Harpers", Moscow 1997 and 1999, The "International Festival Vera Dulova" (Moscow, 1997 and 2000) and The "Competition of Chamber Music with Harp," in Arles, France , 2001, The "First International Harp Contest" in Szeged, Hungary, 2007, and The First International Harp Competition "Ksenia Erdely" in St. Petersburg, Russia.
She chairs the Cultural Association Isolda, through which she organizes the international competition " The Iberian Chamber Music Competition with Harp", which reached its fourth edition in February 2014.
In 2008 She participated as a special guest at the Festival "The soul of the Harp" held at The Centre of Art Workers in Moscow, Russia, where she gave a lecture on" the Spanish music for harp". She has coordinated three editions of compact "Isolda sings Tales" (2018, 2010 and 2012) in which her students perform works of didactic repertoire for solo harp and in combination with other instruments.
She held in usufruct the Harp that belonged the harpist Nicanor Zabaleta, which is provided with an eighth damper pedal, a system designed by the same harpist.
With this instrument she touredd as a soloist and with the chamber music group Isolda.
She is currently working on a doctoral thesis in Musicology about" the Romantic Harp in Spain" for the Faculty of Geography and History of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Alexander Zagorinsky, Russia
Alexander Zagorinsky is a renowned Russian cellist. In 1986, he graduated from the Moscow Conservatory where he studied under Professor Natalia Shakhovskaya. He is a winner of the domestic (1985) and international competitions, including the IX International Tchaikovsky Competition. He has been a professor since 2018. From 1991 until the year 2000, Zagorinsky was the first concertmaster of the cello group in the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow Philharmonic. As a cellist, he has had a distinguished career in solo and ensemble performance of repertoires ranging from classical to romantic works and modern compositions. He collaborates closely with several contemporary composers and has had the privilege of being the first to perform works by composers such as E. Denisov, V. Dashkevich, Yu. Kasparov A. Shchetinsky (Ukraine), Jon Appleton (USA) and etc. He recorded on compact disc all of Edison Denisov’s chamber works for cello as well as his cello concerto, when the composer was still alive, earning high esteem from him. Alexander Zagorinsky is known for a close creative partnership with the remarkable jazz composer and pianist Nikolai Kapustin, many of whose works he has performed and recorded together with the latter. Alexander Zagorinsky’s recordings were released on Melodiya, Delos and Naxos (USA), Etcetera (Netherlands) and other labels. He has been a member of the duet with the outstanding Norwegian pianist Einar Steen-Nøkleberg since 2002. Alexander Zagorinsky has been awarded the title Honored Artist of Russia and the Order of Friendship.
Sam-Jong Shim, Korea
CCM Artist, Classical Saxophonist Psalm Shim. An acclaimed Korean saxophonist whose music freely crosses over to the classical, jazz, pop, and CCM, Psalm-Jong Shim has given recitals at the Arts Club of Washington, Baltimore War Memorial Hall, and Strathmore Manson and performed with Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, Russia Ulan Ude Symphony Orchestra, Seoul National Symphony Orchestra, W. Philharmonic Orchestra, National Orchestra of Korea, Cheongju Korean Music Orchestra. After graduating from the College of Music at Hanyang University, Shim received a Master’s degree in Classical Saxophone Performance and a G.P.D diploma at the Peabody Conservatory at the Johns Hopkins University studying with Professor Gary Louie, an internationally renowned classical saxophone soloist.
Shim has founded Ensemble INIZ that has successfully merged artistic originality and popularity of chamber music and has also established and conducted Sounds of Heaven Saxophone Orchestra for amateur saxophonists. Shim has been performing at MBC Beautiful Concert, KBS Radio, CBS Make Us New, CTS Happy Every day, C Chanel, and CGNTV in Korea. He has so far published four CDs, Psalm-Jong Shim Hymn & Gospel Saxophone I and II and The Classical Saxophone I and The Classical Saxophone II, The Presence Trio Album, Digital Single offering the general public a fascinating world of saxophone music. Shim was served 12 years as an adjunct professor of wind instruments at the College of Music, Hanyang University. Now Chair of SHIM Saxophone College in Korea and He holds Doctor of Future Education Leadership.
Tatiana Gurbaeva, Russia
Graduated from the N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Leningrad State Conservatory the piano department (class of Prof. Portnoy) and got a master degree in pipe organ (class of associate professor Bakaeva-Petrenko). Winner of international competitions and festivals as a pianist, organist, ensemble player and
concertmaster.
The winner in the nominations «Organ» and «Сhamber ensemble» in the International music competition of Jean Sibelius in Finland and also a «Solo piano» nomination in the International competition festival «Bravo, Turku!». Teacher and concertmaster of Institute of Music, Theater and Choreography in Herzen University.
Mária Kόsa, Austria
Executive Director International Music Academy INTMA
2011 – Currently working as Executive Director of the "International Music Academy INTMA" based in Vienna, Austria. Ongoing concert and teaching activities with different orchestras and chamber music projects, workshops and festivals.
Founder The Brunette Quartet
2015 – Professional flute quartet based in Vienna, Austria. Ongoing concert activities, co-operations with contemporary composers. Exploring and experimenting with new dimensions.
Board member Austrian Flute Association
2018 – The Austrian Flute Association is a networking platform for all “flute lovers” - our goal is to reorganize and support the Austrian flute society. To connect professional flutists, flute students and amateurs through organizing concerts, workshops, masterclasses, instrument- and music score showcases all around the flute.Education Performance Arts, Flute Vienna Konservatorium, Vienna, Austria
2007 – 2010 - Workshops and masterclasses
Attended masterclasses and was taught by many of the most renowned flutists and professors, like Auréle Nicolet, Emmanuel Pahud, Sir James Galway, Paul Edmund Davies, Wissam Boustany, Carin Levine, Ian Clarke.
Michail Kazinik, Sweden
Michail Kazinik, a world famous violinist virtuoso, a bestselling writer, a director, an educator, and a leading expert of the Nobel Concerts. Michail Kazinik was born in 1951 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg, Russia). In 1991 he immigrated to Sweden, where he became a professor at both the Dramatic Institute in Stockholm and the International Business School of Scandinavia, as well as an expert of Nobel Concerts. His life-long passion for the arts has led to a celebrated and prolific career. He has found success as a musician, an art historian, and as an acclaimed director and actor at the Lederman Theater in Stockholm. Kazinik is an author of a number of books and musical albums for adults and children, including a bestselling book “The Secrets of Geniuses.” He lives in Sweden and tours the world leading concerts, lectures and creative programs.
Liudmila Gurevich, Russia
Liudmila Gurevich was born on 16 July 1950 in Leningrad, USSR. She took her first music lessons at the age of seven. Since 1966 studied in the Music College named by Modest Mussorgsky (violin, class by Anatoly Reznikovsky). Since 1970 studied in Saint-Petersburg Conservatory (class of Prof. Mikhail Belyakov). Graduated from the Conservatory in 1975 with the first-class honors degree. Doctor of Artknowledge (1984), Docent (2008). Since 1970 worked at the Music school No.2 in Saint-Petersburg. Since 1990 is working at the Music College named by RimskyKorsakov (since 2009 – head of the String department). Also since 1984 she is working at the Saint-Petersburg Conservatory, now as Docent by the chair of violin and viola. Dr.Doc. Liudmila Gurevich - one of the leading violin-teacher in St.- Petersburg. The author of the monograph «The Violin strokes and fingering» and «The Violin ABC». The leader by the Violin department at the Saint-Petersburg musical college named by Rimski-Korsakov, Docent by St.-Petersburg Conservatory.
Edecio Alejandro Garrido Moreno, Venezuela / Peru
-Viola & Violin player, teacher orchestral conductor and choir, born in San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela in
1965.
-In 1978 he entered the Children's and Youth Orchestras System of Venezuela, at Yaracuy State School of
Music "Blanca Estrella de Méscoli" by San Felipe.
-In 1982 he moved to Barquisimeto, Venezuela to continue his musical studies at the Conservatory "Vicente
Emilio Sojo" culminating them later in the Superior Music Conservatory “Simón Bolívar" of Caracas.
-Violist of the Lara State Symphony Orchestra (Barquisimeto, Venezuela) since 1983 to 2012
-Conductor at the "Lisandro Alvarado" University Chamber Orchestra (Barquisimeto, Venezuela) from 1992
to 2009.
-As a member of the Youth and Children's Orchestra System of Venezuela, he performs an important work
as Violin & Viola Professor and Itinerant Conductor in the different childrens & youth symphony orchestras
of FUNDAMUSICAL SIMÓN BOLIVAR Children's & Youth System of Venezuela, as well as violist of the Lara
State Symphony Orchestra, on their national and international tours and concerts.
-He attended the degrees in Orchestral Conducting and Musical Education at the Musical University
(UNEARTE) in Caracas.
-In 2018 he moved to Lima, Peru to contribute to the formation and vocation of talent musical of that great
country.
Maja Djogo, Serbia
Maja Djogo was born 09.05.1984. g. In Belgrade. His first steps in music began in Ukraine in 1993 , in Dniprodzerzhinsk, as the youngest and most talented pupil in school for talents. After returning from abroad ends basic music school Vladimir Djordjevic in Belgrade, in the class of prof. Jelena Filotich as the best student. Secondary music education continues in a ’’Mokranjac’’, where he graduated in piano department in the class of prof. Bozena Griner and prof. Zeljka Vorkapich 2002, also in Belgrade. Music Academy of the University of East Sarajevo enrolled in 2002 in the class of prof. Jokuthon Mihailovich and graduated in 2007 with an average score of 9.27. Master studies enrolled and ends in the class of prof. Aleksandra Radosavljevich. During her education in elementary and high school she was performing at piano competitions ( republic, international…) festivals, concerts, seminars, talent competitions, sections, courses and won awards, commendations, diplomas and significant recognitions. She attended master classes with renowned piano pedagogues: mr Aleksandra Romanic, Mr. Jokuthon Mihailovic (Serbia), Mr. Pavel Nersesjan (Russia), Mr. Aleksandar Sandorov (Serbia), Mr. Yuri Kot (Ukraine), Mr. Hinko Haas (Slovenia), Mr. Lili Petrovich (Serbia), Mr. Aleksandar Serdar (Serbia), Mihail Rezek (Czech Republic).On the occasion of the celebration of the Day of the University of East Sarajevo she was invited by the Rector of the University of East Sarajevo to receive the Plaque of the University and the cash prize for the highest score in her generation and for extraordinary success during her studies at the Music Academy in East Sarajevo.In addition to solo engagements, appearances are active in chamber ensembles and cooperates with many colleagues. For the 10 years of pedagogical work has achieved remarkable results with their students winning over 80 awards. She was a member of the jury of many piano competitions, festivals in the country and the region. Maja got a diploma from the organizers and committee members of the International competition of young pianists in Niš 2012 for excellent educational results in E, K, L category, discipline piano, k1 duo. She is an active member of the Association of Musical / music and ballet pedagogues FBiH. She works as an professor at the piano department of the Music Academy of the University of East Sarajevo.
Dmitriy Kukushkin, Russia
Lecturer at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. Artistic Director of the Cultural Center "Kupina" named after Lyubov Zhuk. Artist of yakovlev's orchestra "Grand melody orchestra" and the ensemble of guslyars "Kupina". Laureate of international and all-Russian competitions.
Performer, teacher, organizer. He graduated in 2012 from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music with a degree in "bayan" (class of folk art. of Russia, prof. V.A. Semenov), in 2014 of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music with a degree in "solo folk singing" (class of folk art of Russia, prof. A.P. Litvinenko, in 2018 the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music with a degree in "gusli" (class of zasl. art. of Russia, prof. L.Y. Zhuk and zasl. art. of Russia L.I. Muravyeva).
Master of the UNESCO Chair of the IGSU of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation. Expert of the manufactory "World of Harpsichords" for the production of musical instruments. Executive Secretary of the International Children's Music Contest of Folk Performers "MiR - Music and Development" and the All-Russian Festival-Contest of Folk Art "Guardians of the Heritage of Russia".
Svetlana Stepanova, Russia
Stepanova Svetlana Gennadievna is a leader and organizer, teacher and musician in the field of higher professional education, who has many years of experience in training highly qualified personnel for Russian organizations and foreign countries working in the field of culture and art, a promising scientist. She has accumulated a huge work experience in educational and administrative work in higher education.
S.G.Stepanova has repeatedly been the organizer and moderator of round tables, scientific and practical seminars, All-Russian and internationally attended creative competitions and festivals, chairman and jury member of creative and performing sections in the field of musical art. Socially significant direction is fruitful work and performances in professional associations and public organizations that contribute to the development of the system of vocational education in the Russian Federation, in the field of international cooperation.
Scientific research, creative projects and educational and methodological developments of the author have been widely recognized, have practical value and published in a number of domestic and foreign publications. S.G.Stepanova has over 60 scientific and methodological, scientific works, publications, including: monograph, educational and teaching aids, scientific reports and articles that have received recognition in the Russian Federation, abroad (Germany, Canada). Her professional achievements in the fields of culture and education are marked by government and departmental awards.
Now he heads the Faculty of Music and Choreographic Art of the East Siberian State Institute of Culture, combining the position of dean with the head of the department, scientific, pedagogical and socio-professional activities, enjoys the authority and respect of the team and the professional community.
In 1994 she graduated from the piano department of the Irkutsk Regional Chopin College of Music. In 1998, she graduated with honors from the Music Faculty of Irkutsk State Pedagogical University. In 2006, she completed her postgraduate studies at Buryat State University with honors. Continuing to improve her professional skills, in 2010 Stepanova S.G. received an education at the Kazan State Conservatory named after N. Zhiganov in the specialty "Instrumental performance" (piano). In 2016, she entered and completed her doctoral studies in the field of "Theory and History of Culture" (Cultural Studies). He continues to improve his pedagogical skills, engage in scientific research, creative and methodical work.
Desislava Bobrina, Bulgaria / Russia
Born in Bulgaria, Desislava Bobrina began studying piano at the age of 7 at music school in Moscow. Since 2003 she continued her education at the Central Music school of the Moscow State Conservatory with M.A Marchenko Since 2006 she studied in Moscow State Conservatory in the class of professor Yury Airapetyan.
From 2011-2014 Desislava studied postgraduate performance course in Moscow State Conservatory and in "Alfred Schnittke Akademie International" in Hamburg (2011-2012) with professor Brenno Ambrosini.
Desislava gives concerts in concert halls of Moscow,other Russian cities and abroad(Bulgaria,Belarus,Armenia,Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany).
She regularly gives solo concerts,participates in the concerts “Music in the palace'', “Sofia music weeks”(Sofia,Bulgaria), Festival in Besalu (Spain), Piano Loop (Croatia). Desislava regularly performs with orchestra in Great Hall of Moscow State Conservatory and orchestras in many cities. She has CD records, made by Conservatory, records on National Bulgarian radio and on television.
She is laureate of different competitions, such as:
- “New Names”(Russia,Moscow)in 2003,
- “The days of Rachmaninoff” in Moscow(1 prize) in 2003,
- International Chopin competition in Varna(Bulgaria,4 prize) in 2005,
- International piano competition “Vincenzo Solimene”(Italy,1 prize and Overall winner) in 2008,
- International piano competition ”Antonio Napolitano” in Vietri-sul-Mare (Italy,2 prize)-in 2008,
- International piano competition “Flame” in Paris, France(2 prize)-in 2009.
- International piano competition “Rome-2011” in Italy (1 prize,2011)
Desislava also performs as part of piano duo with her sister Maria Bobrina.
Firgat Musin, Russia
In 2006 he graduated from I.V. Aukhadeev Kazan Сollege of Music (tuba class of the Honored Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, Professor N.A. Shadrov).
In 2011 he graduated from the Gnesins Russian Academy of Music (tuba class of the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Professor V.N. Dosadin).
In 2013 he graduated from the Post Graduate Programme of the Gnesins Russian Academy of Music majoring in “Musical Arts” (tuba).
During his study at I.V. Aukhadeev Kazan College of Music and the Gnesins Russian Academy of Music he has won numerous international and all-Russian competitions, including the grand prix laureate of A.A. Nesterov all-Russian competition (Nizhniy Novgorod, 2007), the 1st award of T.A. Dokschitzer International competition of the brass wind musicians (2009). In 2021 Firgat Musin won the 1st creative work competition award “Moy pedagog-gnesinets” in “Essay” nominated category.
2007-2008 Soloist and principal of the tuba section of the State Wind Orchestra of Russia
2008-2011 Soloist and principal of the tuba section of the Orchestra of the Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre
of Moscow
2011-present Soloist of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia "Evgeny Svetlanov"
2011-present He has been teaching at the Department of brass wind and percussion instruments
(from 2014 - the Department of brass wind instruments) of the Gnesins Russian Academy of Music
He regularly takes part at the various competitions as an award panel member, conducts open lessons and master-classes. He is also an artistic director and cultural event organizer of the 1st V.N. Dosadin Orchestral Brass Wind and Percussion Instruments Festival (2021).
Tatiana Koleva, Bulgaria / Netherlands
Recognized as virtuoso, versatile and innovative artist in marimba and percussion Tatiana Koleva has premiered over 100 works created especially for her solo and ensemble projects.
Born in Bulgaria, currently Koleva lives in The Netherlands and combines her intensive concert agenda with education activities, holding a teaching position at the Prince Claus Conservatory / Hanze University, Groningen, NL. She is the founder and artistic director of the award-winning formation ‘Youth Percussion Pool’ - an education and performing platform for young professionals and the biannual festival event ‘Amsterdam Marimba Weekend’.
Tatiana Koleva has performed in major concert halls throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Jordan and Mexico and has appeared as a soloist of number of orchestras. She is regularly invited to join projects of leading ensembles and theatre groups and forms duo partnerships with the organist Jan Hage, bass clarinetist Fie Schouten and the jazz saxophonist Rutger van Otterloo. In addition to her activities as a classical musician she is often involved in cross-genre projects with improvised jazz, rock, film and stage music. One of the very successful such formation is the cult-band Rubatong.
Koleva has recorded for NovaLinia Records (her own label), Decca, New World Records, Attacca, Unsounds, Mode Records, Orgelpark Records, Wergo, BVHAAST, ICSM Records and more. Tatiana Koleva is award winner of various International Competitions. In the beginning of 2010 she received the prestigious Prize ‘Musician of the Year 2009’ by the National Radio and the audience of Bulgaria, and her Youth Percussion Pool was awarded “Ensemble of the Year 2012” in that same contest. In 2019 Koleva has been granted a ‘Golden Medal’ Special Award of the ‘Manhattan Music Competition’, NY, USA.
2017 marked the release of a new album “Songs for Marimba” and currently Tatiana and her Percussion Pool are touring successfully with their shows 'How to Play the Cactus', and 'Trampoline' a program with new cross genre compositions and a special arrangement of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story for percussion ensemble
From the press:
"... superb percussionist... brilliantly played performance ... explosive energy..." New York Times, USA
“... Tatiana Koleva opens the doors widely for her instrument, her colleagues and her students. A splendid CD, incomparably beautifully played and wonderfully recorded...” Review ‘Songs for marimba’ CD by Opus Klassiek, NL
"... exceptional musician..." Percussions Magazine, France;
"... a truly remarkable percussionist..." Business News Radio, NL;
"... star-percussionist..." Volkskrant, NL
Mariana Kuindzhi, Russia
Associate Professor, teaches at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music at the piano department.
Born in 1974 in Moscow.
In 1993 she graduated from the MSSMSH them. Gnesins in the piano class (class of Professor Tatiana Zelikman). In 2000 she graduated with honors from the Russian Academy of Sciences. Gnessins in the class of special piano (class of Professor Vladimir Tropp, class of the chamber ensemble of Professor Irina Anastasyeva).
Since 2006 he has been teaching at the piano department of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. Continues the family dynasty teachers of music.
Pedagogical work combines with active performing activities. Often performs with solo programs, as an accompanist, as part of a chamber ensemble with the accompanist of the cello group of the Yevgeny Svetlana State Symphony Orchestra Paul Suss.
Sergey Kuznetsov, Russia
Has started studying music at the age of 10, graduated from the Academy of Arts in Ufa in 1985
Worked in the opera and ballet theatre, brass band, circus.
Has started pedagogical activity in 1988.
Has recorded several CDs: Slavic mystery, Old record, White-winged Angel, Sleeping heart, etc.
Honoured Culture Worker of Russia, Musician of the Year according to the Rendezvous magazine, prizewinner of international competitions, prizewinner of the competition 'Best Teacher of the Year of Russian Art Schools'.
Jury member of international and Russian competitions.
Author of the technique Preparation for the competition in the clarinet and saxophone class.
Head of the orchestra Department, teacher of clarinet and saxophone, conductor of the variety orchestra of the Vologda College of Arts.
Project Manager - Zen Trio SV, Saxodrome, Break Orchestra, Saxophoniana, Denneriana, Masters of Arts - for children, etc.
Pyotr Kazimir, Russia
Pyotr Kazimir is a musician, Professor at Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Academy of Arts, Honoured Artist of the Tyva Republic.
After his military service from 1990 to 1995, Kazimir studied at Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts (since 2018 – Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Academy of Arts) – V. N. Styro’s trumpet class; V. P. Troyan’s wind band conducting class. Being a student, Pyotr worked in the orchestra of the Krasnoyarsk State Musical Comedy Theatre (1991-1992); in the Symphony Orchestra of the Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre (1992-1993; 1997-2010); in the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments (1993-1995). From 1995 to 1997, he was a soloist of the Volga Band Concert Wind Orchestra at the Saratov Philharmonic and a musician in the symphony orchestra at the N. G. Chernyshevsky Saratov Opera Theatre.
Since 1998, he has been teaching at his alma mater – Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Academy of Arts at the Department of Wind and Percussion Instruments. From 2006 to 2014, he was the Head of the student wind orchestra. He also taught trumpet, conducting and instrumentation at the Krasnoyarsk College of Arts (now the P. I. Ivanov-Radkevich Krasnoyarsk College of Arts) and was the Head of the student wind orchestra there too. The orchestra under his direction won the Grand Prix of the Ensemble and Orchestral Music Competition (Krasnoyarsk, 2002); the First prize at the 8th All-Russian Patriotic Television Festival Young Russia (Krasnoyarsk, 2002); was awarded the 1st degree in the nomination "Student Orchestras" at the 2nd International Festival of Wind Orchestras and Ensembles Fanfare in the Centre of Asia (Kyzyl, 2014).
From 1990 to 2015, he was the Artistic Director of the Krasnoyarsk Brass Quintet, which participated in the Heart of Asia International Jazz Festival. The band toured in Korea (2006), in Germany (2007) and took part in seven International festivals.
He also created the variety orchestra Krasnoyarsk Summit Band (2006-2010), which consisted of the best Krasnoyarsk students and musicians. The orchestra repeatedly performed in the Grand Concert Hall of the Regional Philharmonic and was a regular participant of the International Festival Jazz over the Yenisey. The leading jazz musicians Eve Cornelious (the USA), the Syndicate group (the USA / West Germany); Daniel Kramer, Igor Bril, Sergey Manukyan (Moscow); Irina Babicheva (Krasnodar); Veronika Makhotina (Krasnoyarsk) and others performed with the orchestra.
In 2008, he participated in the creation of the Wind Orchestra of the Government of the Republic of Tyva. In 2009, he was awarded the title of Honoured Artist of the Tyva Republic.
In 2015, Pyotr Kazimir graduated from Novosibirsk State Conservatory named after M. I. Glinka, Professor A. A. Lyudmilin’s class (his specialist field was Opera and Symphony Conducting). From 2010 to 2018, he conducted the Krasnoyarsk Chamber Orchestra. Since 2017 he has been working as a conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Academy of Arts. He also worked as a conductor and arranger with orchestras in Irkutsk, Khakassia, Tyva, Latvia, Poland, Belarus.
In 2010, he was awarded the academic title of Associate Professor and in 2019 – the academic title of Professor. Since 2019, he has been holding the position of the Head of the Department of Orchestra Wind and Percussion Instruments. Kazimir devotes himself to composition and arrangement: writes music for performances; arrangements for ensembles; chamber, symphony, wind orchestras and big band. He is also the author of scientific articles.
Kazimir gives master-classes and public lectures in Russia and abroad. In 2020, he initiated, organized and held the First All-Russian Wind Art Forum The Yenisey Fanfare-2020" on the base of Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Academy of Arts; the participants were the world's best performers in the sphere of wind art.
Pyotr Kazimir is the winner of many prestigious competitions and festivals. In 2003, by the Decree of the Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, he was awarded an Honorary Certificate “For many years of dedicated work and a great contribution to the development of musical art”. In 2007, Kazimir was awarded the Governor’s grant for his personal contribution to the development of culture in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. He received the Medal “For Faith and Goodness” from the Governor of the Kemerovo Oblast Aman Tuleev (2013); the Badge “Vasily Agapkin 100 Years of the March "Farewell of Slavianka” (Kemerovo, 2013); the Badge “300 years of Military Music in Russia” (Kyzyl (2014); the Badge “For Contribution to the Development of Wind Art” (Minsk, 2020).
Amelia Tionanda, Indonesia
Amelia obtained her Bachelor and Master degree in Classical Music Performance at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Ghent, Belgium; under the guidance of Alessandro Moccia, Mikhail Kugel, Mikhail Bezverkhny, and Liliya Umnova.
During her stay in Europe 2008-2014, she was a member of some orchestras in Belgium and France, such as Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, Les Symphonistes Europèens, Koninklijk Lyrisch Toneel Kortrijk, Het Vlaams-Brabant Orchestra, Alden Biesen Zomeropera, and orchestra projects from Conservatorium Gent, Tilburg, and Maastricht with the conductors such as Dirk Brosse, Arjan Tien, and Michael Tabachnik.
She also had performed in festivals such as Crescendo Summer Institute (Hungary) and Oberstdorf Musiksommer (Germany), and had masterclasses with Tanja Becker-Bender, Uwe Steinmeitz, David Danel, Dag Erik Anderson, and Shirly Laub; as well as for chamber music with Doric Quartet and Minguett Quartet.
In 2010-2015, she taught violin at Jeugd en Muziek Brussel, Belgium.
In 2007, Amelia won the 1st prize of Dr. Johannes Oentoro Violin Competition at Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia.
Before her departure to Europe for further study, she was a member of many orchestra in Jakarta, and in 2008 she was chosen to play with The Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra.
Since her return in 2014, Ms. Tionanda is the concertmistress of Nusantara Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of Bandung Philharmonic, and an active member of Jakarta Sinfonietta, Jakarta Concert Orchestra, and Jakarta Symfonia Orchestra.
She is regularly giving masterclasses, orchestra and chamber music workshop, and violin jury in various violin competitions and festivals in Indonesia.
Ms. Tionanda is currently working at at The Music Conservatory of Pelita Harapan University as violin lecturer and Head of String Department, and at the Gloriamus Music School as Head of String Department and violin teacher.
Her violin students are winners of several prestigious violin competitions in Indonesia, such as Semarang Violin Competition, Gloriamus Violin Competition, IYMO, PPC Bandung, etc.
Anna Wandtke, Poland
Anna Wandtke is an extraordinary violinist of uniquely expressive musical personality and sensitivity, which is reflected in her brave interpretations, phenomenally precious sound of her violin, brilliant, simply perfect virtuosity and emotional authenticity.
Endowed with a virtuoso technique, the artist freely performs various musical concepts, guiding audiences through the magic world of sounds in classical repertoire but also not keeping off elements of jazz, flamenco or gypsy music.
She toured Poland and the world widely - USA, South America, China, Japan, France, Spain, Germany, England, playing along with the most prominent artists of our times, including Roby Lakatos, Julian Rachlin, Renaud Capuçon, Yuri Bashmet, Maxim Vengerov, Joshua Bell, Sara Chang, as well as her countrymen, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Wojciech Rajski, Krzysztof Penderecki, Tytus Wojnowicz, Grzech Piotrowski, Sebastian Wypych, Krzysztof Herdzin, Robert Kabara and Karol Radziwonowicz. She cooperated with such conductors as James Levine, Paavo Jarvi, Kurt Masur and Valery Gergiev.
Anna Wandtke’s vast repertoire proves her versatility. She eagerly reaches for classical stylistics but also boldly engages in combining classical with other genres, including film music. Topped up with a stunning setting - lighting, video projection mapping by Sylwester Łuczak, her concert becomes a show, where the violinist invites her audiences on a quest through the most remote corners of her soul.
She has recorded few cd’s: Violin Soul, Wandtke Plays Polish, Avarp Prologue, Poldowski Creations.
Anna Wandtke has a PhD in music and has been an adjunct professor at the Stanislaw Moniuszko Music Academy in Gdańsk. She gives regular masterclasses in Poland and abroad.
Ángel Soria Diaz, Spain
Ángel Soria is one of the most eminent musicians of his generation. His career as saxophonist has taken him to countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Italy, Estonia, the United States, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Jamaica and Thailand. He has taken part in the programs of concert halls such as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, the Stadtcasino in Basel, the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City or the Concert Hall of Mahidol University in Bangkok.
He has collaborated in recordings with the record labels Deutsche Grammophon, Sigma Records, Verso, Orpheus and Col-legno along with groups such as SIGMA Project, the RTVE Symphony Orchestra and Choir and the Spanish National Orchestra. Among his discographic production, the personal project TRUTHS, the saxophone in the early 21st century is remarkable, where Soria presents the most representative works of Spanish composers of different generations such as Juan Magrané, Jesús Torres, Javier Quislant, Juan José Eslava, Alberto Posadas and Alberto Bernal.
Ángel Soria finished his studies with Marcus Weiss in the Hochschule für Musik Basel and in the Pädagogische Hochschule FHNW, where he obtained the degree of Master of Arts Musikalische Performance (2012) and Master of Arts Musikpädagogik (2014). He graduated with honors in all his studies and in 2014 he finished his studying period winning the second prize in the fourth edition of the “Jean-Marie Londeix Competition” in Bangkok, where he was praised for the depth of his performance of the traditional repertoire for saxophone.
From 2014 to 2019, Ángel Soria was a professor of Saxophone at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castilla y León. Since 2019 Ángel Soria is professor of saxophone, chamber music and contemporary music at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Navarra, in Pamplona.
Zlatko Dimitrov Velichkov, Bulgaria / United Kingdom
Zlatko Dimitrov Velichkov performed internationally in variety of guises, since finishing his music
education at State Academy of Music, Bulgaria.
As soloist as a violin and viola he worked with the Shumen Symphony, Bulgaria, State Philharmonic
Orchestra, Varna, Bulgaria, University Leicester Sinfonia, UK, Tunisian National Symphony Orchestra
and Cairo Symphony Orchestra and has performed Bartok’s Viola concerto, Telemann’s Viola
concerto, Max Bruch's Double Concerto for Clarinet (Violin) and Viola (Viola solo part), Gustav
Holst's Lyric movement for Viola and Chamber Orchestra, Richard Strauss’s Don Quixote Viola solo
part.
Zlatko is a very active chamber musician performing with different chamber groups including London
Schubert Players String Quartet, Mici String Quartet, Orama Encemble, International Chamber
Collegiums, Cairo.
He was a Co-principal Viola at Cairo Symphony Orchestra, visiting principal Viola at Tunisian National
Symphony Orchestra, principal Viola at London Schubert Players, principal Viola at Trinity College
Symphony Orchestra, Viola rank and file at Sofia Philharmonic, 2nd Violin rank and file at Varna
Philharmonic Orchestra and freelance player (Royal Concert & Pops Orchestra, Oxford Symphony
Orchestra, British Chamber Orchestra, British Youth Opera, London Philharmonia).
Education is a central part of Zlatko’s professional life. He was Associate Professor of Viola&
Chamber Music at Institut Suppereur de Musique de Sousse, Tunisia, Upper String teacher at British
International School, Cairo, Upper Strings teacher at Tees Valley Music Service, Upper Strings
teacher at Cocethorpe School, King’s School, Oxford ,Conductor of Youth String Orchestra Red Car &
Cleveland, Camden and Ealing Music Services, ,London, Every Child a Musician, Newham, London,
School 21 , Stratford, London.
Zlatko is a winner Audience Price-Nirbator’s Music Festival, Hungary.
Lidia Fomenko, Russia
Lidia Fomenko - Laureate of international competitions, Professor, Head of the Department of wind and percussion instruments, Academic Secretary of the Academic Council of the Ufa State Institute of Arts named after Zagir Ismagilov (from 2010 to 2021), Honored Artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan. She graduated from the Institute in 1991 with the flute specialization (class of Honoured artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan, senior lecturer S. Mukhamedyanova). The Institute has 28 years of pedagogical experience. (concurrently with the teaching in the specialized secondary musical college).
In 2003 she undertook a traineeship at the St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatoire. In 2003 she undertook a traineeship at the St Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatoire in the class of Professor Vavilina-Mravinskaya. From 1992 to 2002 she combined teaching activity with concert activities: she taught at the Institute, was an artist of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Bashkortostan and a member of the Early Music Ensemble of the Bashkir State Philharmonic Society. There are numerous solo and ensemble performances, recordings on television and radio of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
While working at the institute, Lidia Fomenko has proved herself as a highly qualified and gifted teacher and musician, possessing a wealth of pedagogical experience and skill. The notion of the "Bashkir flute school" has long been firmly associated with the musician's name. More than once she has proven her pedagogical skills, representing her students at prestigious music competitions in Russia and abroad. Among them are diploma winners and laureates of the recent years: International Competition of Young Performers of the Islamic world (Baku); XXII All-Russian Brass Music Competition (Zlatoust); International Competition of Performers on Wind and Percussion Instruments "Legni&Ottoni" (Kurgan) and others. Students of the flute class take part in the most significant musical events of Ufa: World Kurultai of Bashkirs, East-West music festival, Days of German Culture in Bashkortostan, a series of concerts "Children play with symphony orchestra", early music evenings in the organ hall of the Bashkir State Philharmonic Society. Since 2000. Lydia Borisovna has been the leader of the chamber music ensemble "Orpheus" that includes the best students of the flute class. The ensemble is the winner of the 3rd prize of the International contest "Talents. Hopes. Masters" in Bulgaria (2002) and a diploma winner of the International Festival "East - West" in Ufa (2003), there are records of its concert performances on television in the country.
Lidia Fomenko is the author and compiler of 15 published scientific and methodological works devoted to the problems of wind instruments performance.
Lidia's pedagogical work has been noted by Certificates of Merit: Ufa City Council "For great contribution to the education of young talents and active participation in the implementation of the program "New Names of Bashkortostan" (2002), the Republican charity program "New Names" - "For contribution to the education of talented youth and support young talents" (2003), Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bashkortostan (2013), Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation(2021)
She has repeatedly taken part in the jury of musical contests in the Republic of Bashkortostan and beyond its borders; she is the chairman of the state attestation commission of musical educational institutions.
In recent years she has been in charge of conducting International Wind and Percussion Instrument Performers Contests, which are organized by the department and have already gained wide popularity in Russia and abroad.
Mikhail Dektjarev, Russia
Since 1985 Mikhal Dektjarev studied at the Music Secondary School of the Sankt-Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in the class of professor E.Dernova. In period of 1996 until 2001 was a student at the Sankt-Petersburg State Conservatory named after N.A.Rimsky-Korsakov in the class of outstanding professor of russian cello school A.Nikitin and K.Kravtsov, also with Professor N.Arzumanova as a chamber music.
since 1997 worked as a soloist in the Chamber Sankt-Petersburg Orchestra "Divertisment" under conducted of Iliya Ioff. In 1997 took a part in the international master-courses of Mstislav Rostropovich. In 1999 has studied authentic music at orighinal instruments at the class of Maris Leonchard.
In 2007 was graduated student of the Stuttgart Hochschule fuer Musik und Darschtellender Kunst (class of professor P.Buck)
Today Michail Degtyarev is a soloist of the Worldfamous cello quartett, that was organised of amazing musicians like S.Drabkin and K.Kravtsov. This colliktive has named "Rasstrelli Cello Quartett". The quartett has regulary concerts in Europa,USA,Russia
Was a participant of the many internationales music fetivals as Obersdorfer Musiksommer, Meadowlark Music festival in Lincoln/Nebraska, Cello Festival Beauvais, Beethoven Festival Bonn, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festspiel, Rheingau Musik Festspiel and etc.
Since 2008 has regulary soloist at the ansamble "TRIO+" under control of "Twice-Music of Russia", outstanding jazz trompett, Vjacheslav Gajvorunsky
As a member of the «Rastrelli Cello quartett» he has played with such artists as, Giora Feidman,Giles Apap,David Geringas,King Singers,etc.
Teaches quartet class at the St. Petersburg Conservatory
Danijela Gazdić, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Danijela Gazdić, MA, professor
She finished elementary music school "Vojislav Vuckovic" in Sarajevo in Desanka Olenjuk class, and the music high school "Dr. Miloje Milojevic" in Kragujevac in the class of prof. Radomir Tomić. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Kiev State Conservatory '' P.I. Tchaikovsky '' in 1995 in the class of prof. V.V. Besfaljmiljnova with an average grade of 10 during her studies, and received her master's degree from the National Academy of Music of Ukraine in Kiev in 1997 with the highest grades in the class of academician NA Davidov. She started working at the Music Academy in East Sarajevo in 1998, she had founded the Department of Accordion, where today she teaches as a professor, and at the same time performing the function of the head of the Department of Accordion. From the beginning of her work at the Academy, she had a number of notable pedagogical results. Students from her class have won over 300 awards (special, laureate, first, second and third) at domestic and international competitions and festivals (Republika Srpska and BiH, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, Austria, Russia, Belarus , Czech Republic, Australia, Northern Macedonia and Great Britain). In addition to teaching, Danijela is also involved in concert activities. She has performed at the Opening of the World Trophy (Serbia), festivals: Sarajevo Winter, Chamber Festival Music (Montenegro), Koral (East Sarajevo) and within numerous events and scientific conferences in the city of East Sarajevo. She has given solo concerts in Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Slovenia, Austria and in a number of cities in Republika Srpska and BiH, as well as notable concert performances in collaboration with artists in the field of music and other areas of stage creation. The result of this cooperation is a successful project with the Forum Theater from East Sarajevo on the shooting of the documentary "Gate of Romania", which took first place in the competition of 80 films at the International Film Festival in Nis, as the musical background of this film was used wind '' by Dutch composer Las Pihlajama. In cooperation with SPKD "Prosveta", together with the actor Milan Milidrag, she recorded a poetic monodrama based on the verses of Velja Milosevic "Bagem Basta", where she designed the musical background for the mentioned monodrama, which was successfully performed in a number of cities in Republika Srpska and Serbia. In order to evoke the accordion as an academic instrument, with a rich arsenal of sound and performance possibilities, she recorded the CD "Memories", which recorded works by various authors and styles. As a result of many years of concert activities in the field of chamber music, she selected and edited parts for flute and accordion, violin and accordion, and voice and accordion, which she published in a collection entitled "Concert Repertoire for Chamber Music - I". As a member of the duo "Lagrimas", she recorded the CD "Duo Lagrimas", which recorded and immortalized compositions by various authors, and the transcriptions for the accordion were done by Daniela. The voice as the most perfect musical instrument and the accordion, which with its sound and technical possibilities evokes vocality in the performance, give the duo "Lagrimas" recognizability by the way and style of interpretation. She was a member of the jury of the most prestigious world and domestic accordion competitions such as: World Cup, World Trophy (China, Italy, France), Slovenian Music Festival (Russia) Star Trek, Belgrade Accordion Festival, Euphony (Serbia) Accordion Fest (Austria) , Accordion Art (BiH), International Аnniversary Festival (Great Britain), Kaunus Sonorum (Lithuania), Polihimnia, Ohrid and Sakam (Northern Macedonia). She participated in the scientific conference "The Art of Learning" in Lithuania, and successfully held a series of master classes in Lithuania, Serbia, Montenegro, Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is a reviewer of professional literature for accordion and an associate in several commissions at the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Srpska. She performed the function of the Head of the Accordion Department (from 2000 to 2011), as well as the function of the Vice-Dean for Scientific Research and Artistic Work (from 2005 to 2007) at the Music Academy in East Sarajevo. Pedagogical and artistic work and activities to spread music culture and spirituality were awarded several Plaques by the Academy of Music, and letters of thanks from music schools and festivals in the country and abroad (Republika Srpska, BiH, Serbia, Macedonia, Russia, Lithuania, France, United Kingdom). Danijela was also awarded the Plaque for the most successful woman in the city of East Sarajevo in 2006, and her biography was included in the Encyclopedia of the Republic of Srpska.
Pedro Rodrigues, Portugal
Pedro Rodrigues studied under José Mesquita Lopes and later under Alberto Ponce at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he received a superior diploma for guitar performer. Under the guidance of Paulo Vaz de Carvalho, he concluded his doctoral studies at the University of Aveiro in 2011, as a scholarship recipient of the Foundation for Science and Technology.
Pedro Rodrigues performed either as soloist, chamber music ensembles or orchestras in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa in prestigious halls like Carnegie's Weill Hall - New York, Salle Cortot - Paris, Ateneo - Madrid, National Concert Hall - Taipei, Sala Raúl Juliá-San Juan, Endler Hall - Cape Town, Centro Cultural de Belém - Lisbon, Gulbenkian Foundation - Lisbon, Casa da Música - Oporto and made recordings for RTP, RDP, RTM, SABC, WIPR, Cesky Rozhlas Broadcasting Companies and for NUMÉRICA, JNS Music, Portugaler, Nuova Venezia and Slovart Music recording labels. He was a soloist with Gulbenkian Orchestra, Beiras Philharmonic, Algarve Orchestra among others and collaborated with Orchestrutópica, Grupo de Música Contemporânea de Lisboa, Grupo Música Nova and Miso Music Portugal. He is frequently invited to teach master classes in Universities in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
Rodrigues is currently an integrated researcher at INET-md and assistant professor at the University of Aveiro's Department of Art and Communication.
Dušan Đorđevic, Bulgaria / Serbia
Dušan Đorđevic was born in Zaječar (Serbia) in 1992. He began primary music education in his hometown in the class of prof. Jelena Srbinoska. Already at the beginning of his music school education, he showed great love for music, which resulted with his participation in many international and national competitions. After finishing primary school, he continued his music education in high music school "Dr. Miloje Milojević" in Kragujevac, the class of prof. Dušan Vučković. He completed his undergraduate and masters studies at the Faculty of Philology and Arts in Kragujevac, in the class of prof. Predrag Kostovic. He is currently studying a master's of chamber music at the Faculty of Philology and Arts in the class of prof. Borislav Čičovački.
He participated many festivals and competitions in the country and abroad, among which are:
Accordion art (Sarajevo) 2010 - First prize
Star Trek (Kragujevac) 2009 - First prize
Accordion Days (Smederevo) 2007,2009 - First prize
Meh fest (Belgrade) 2015 - First prize
Kligenthal (Germany) 2015 – 8th place
With the chamber ensemble, he was the laureate of the competition "Donne in musica" in Kragujevac, 2014.
He played in the accordion orchestra and in Kragujevac. He performed the world premiere of Fiver Haiku for accordion flute and cello, composed by Vladimir Trmcic with chamber ensembles at SANU gallery in 2014, Belgrade.
As a soloist and with the chamber ensemble Sagum Rubrum duo, he performed in many cities in Serbia and abroad, including performances in Linz, Vienna (Austria), Detmold, Lemgo (Germany), Turn Severin (Romania), Doboj (BiH).
He participated in the 59th March Days of Music Festival in Ruse (Bulgaria), and the concert was recorded by the National Radio of Bulgaria.
He has attended numerous seminars with eminent professors from abroad:
Krasimir Šterev (Munich), Yuri Šiškin (Rostov-on-Don),
Markus Kohler (Detmold), Raimondas Svickevičius and Eduardo Gabins (Lithuania).
Miguel Pineda Záccara, Venezuela
Director, Flautista y Piccolista Venezolano, residente en la Ciudad de Mendoza, fundador de la Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela, Director de Orquesta y profesor de la Cátedra Nacional de Flauta y Flauta Píccolo del Sistema de Orquestas Juveniles con sede en el conservatorio Simón Bolívar de la ciudad de Caracas y además Profesor de la Escuela Nacional de Flauta.
Formado íntegramente en Venezuela, comenzando sus estudios musicales con su padre, posteriormente continuó su educación en el sistema de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela. Egresado de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. Ha sido Primera Flauta de la Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas, Flautista Principal de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Carabobo, Solista Asociado de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela. Miembro del “Quinteto Contemporáneo de Caracas” especialista en este ámbito de la música de cámara, además de ser Director y entrenador de las Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles del Sistema de Orquestas y Coros de Venezuela (Fundamusical Simón Bolívar)
Como Director se ha desempeñado como Titular de la Orquesta Juvenil de San Carlos y de la Banda Sinfónica “24 de Junio” del estado Carabobo. Fue Director Asociado de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Carabobo y Director de planta de la Orquesta Sinfónica Municipal de Caracas. Desde el 2016 hasta Septiembre del 2018 se desempeñó como Director Titular de la Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado Mérida y de la Banda Marcial Caracas, que es la institución orquestal más antigua de Venezuela. Desde 2015 hasta 2018 fue Director de la Orquesta Juvenil Regional Caracas “José Francisco Del Castillo” Codirector de la Orquesta Barroca de Mendoza.
Desde el año 1989 hasta el año 2013 formó parte de la reconocida agrupación de Música Venezolana, Popular y Latinoamericana “Saúl Vera y su ensamble” como Flautista y Director Musical, realizando giras a nivel internacional.
Su experiencia en el extranjero incluye actuaciones destacadas en países de América, Europa y Asia.
Miguel Pineda Záccara dirige en calidad de invitado las principales orquestas sinfónicas del país, y en diciembre del año 2015 fue invitado por la Orquesta Sinfónica de la Radio y Televisión de Bielorrusia en la ciudad de Minsk a dirigirla ya tocar como solista. En Argentina ha sido invitado a dirigir regularmente las Orquestas, Filarmónica Provincial de Mendoza y la Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad de CUYO, también invitado a dirigir el concierto de Píccolo de Lowell Liebermann en la ciudad de Paraná Argentina, con la Orquesta Sinfónica de Entre Ríos . Ha sido entrenador de la Orquesta Pre Juvenil de la Filarmónica de Bogotá y además de la Orquesta Bolivia Joven en la Ciudad de Oruro.
Orquesta Bolivia Joven en la Ciudad de Oruro.
Charina Quintana, Spain
Flute teacher at the Superior Conservatory of Music of Canary Islands and Yamaha Artist.
On September 23rd 2021, she was appointed ambassador of the music of S. Mercadante to the world and of the city of Altamura, (Italy) for his research and dedication to the dissemination of the Altamurian composer.
She was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands and finished her studies at the Reale Conservatory of Madrid with excellent marks and then in the Accademia Musicale di Stoccarda, in the pedagogy area too.
Her vocation for chamber music and ensembles has led her to create various chamber ensembles as the "Altilia Ensemble”. She is also the founder and president of the association of flautists “AFLAUCAN” and artistic director of FlauTeam International Festival, created in 2017 , festival dedicated to flute ensembles .
Charina combines her teaching work with an extensive concert career, gives Masterclasses-concert, workshops and seminar room on the technique of circular breathing and the pedagogia of the flute. She participates regularly in Festivals and is invited to participate in the juries of international competitions.
She has also collaborated with various orchestras: the Orchestra Sinfonica dell’Atlantico, Orchestra Filarmonica di Gran Canaria, the Orchestra Sinfonica di Las Palmas, the Orchestra Filarmonica Giuseppe Verdi di Salerno, Orchestra Sinfonica Ritmico Italian, Orchestra Classical of Altamura.
Various composers have dedicated works to Charina, such as Massimo Voltarel, Francisco Crespo, Marco Tamanin, Marco Massimiliani, and Alfredo Cornachia.
Jose Ramon Olmo Fernandez, Spain
He was born in Mancha Real (Jaén), where he began his musical career as a percussionist in the "Villa de Mancha Real Musical Group" and later as a saxophonist in "Friends of the music of Mancha Real". At an early age he began his studies at the "Ramos de Pareja" conservatory in Baeza and at the
Professional Conservatory of Music in Jaén. He attends the Superior degree of music "Rafael Orozco" of Córdoba obtaining the highest qualifications in the specialty of saxophone.
In 2004 he is selected to play with the OJA (Andalusian Youth Orchestra) in Pilas (Seville). In 2007 he obtained the 2nd prize in the alto saxophone contest held in Los Villares (Jaén). Two years later, he obtains a scholarship to take the 5th Master Class for alto saxophone in Germany (Laubach), with teachers Vincent David and Arno Borkapm among others.
In this year he obtains the Title of University Expert in instrumental interpretation in the specialty of saxophone, taught by the most recognized saxophonists worldwide such as Claude Delangle or Arno Bornkamp, obtaining the qualification of OUTSTANDING. During the next two years (2009 to 2011),
he moved to Montpellier (France) to complete the Improvement cycle at the Conservatory of Music and Dance of Montpellier (France), with Professor Phillipe Braquart obtaining the qualification of Honors.
In that country he participates with the band of the Montpellier Conservatory, under the direction of Philippe Ferro (Conductor of the Paris Conservatory of Music) and in collaboration with the Diastema saxophone quartet, carrying out a tour of the French country through cities such as Toulouse, Paris, Béziers or Lyon among others.
In 2013 he participates in a concert tour with the Provincial Orchestra and Choir of Jaén. In 2016 he is appointed member by selection of the Young Symphony Orchestra of the South of Spain, with which he performs numerous concerts throughout Andalusia.
In the field of pedagogy, he has a Master's Degree in Teacher Training. In 2017 he obtained the title of Career Official, by opposition to the body of Professors of Music and Performing Arts, in the specialty of saxophone. From 2015 to 2018 he directed the Municipal Music Band of Porcuna (Jaén) and later the band "Pila Pellenda" of Torres (Jaén). He is currently a member of the “PRÉLUDE” saxophone quartet with which he offers numerous concerts and courses throughout the Spanish geography, representing the prestigious SELMER saxophone brand, with which he recorded his first CD “Prélude”. He teaches as a saxophone teacher at the "Ramón Garay" Professional Conservatory of Music in Jaén.
Maciej Zakrzewski, Poland
Dr Maciej Zakrzewski, organist, composer, improviser, lecturer at the Stanislaw Moniuszko
Academy of Music in Gdansk.
He graduated with honors from Academy of Music in Gdansk, where he studied the organ under the
tutelage of Professor Roman Perucki and dr Hanna Dys. In 2019 he recived a doctoral degree in
music for his dissertation about Naji Hakim's Organ Works. He has participated in many organ and
composition competitions. He has won first prize at the 7th J. P. Sweelinck International Organ
Competition and fourth prize in the „Premio Elvira di Renna” International Organ Competition in
Italy. In 2010 he received the „Golden Laurel for Young Organist” at the 33rd International Festival
of Organ and Chamber Music in Giżycko.
In his career Maciej Zakrzewski has actively participated in numerous master classes, having had
opportunity to work with such splendid organists including Olivier Latry, Pieter van Dijk, Wolfgang
Zerer, Lorenzo Ghielmi, Helmut Deutsch, Martin Hoselbeck, Pierre Damiano Peretti. He has also
participated in master classes of improvisation under the direction of Pierre Pincemaille, Tomasz
Adam Nowak.
Maciej Zakrzewski co- operates on a regular basis with the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, Polish
Chamber Orchestra, The PROGRESS Chamber Orchestra, Elblag Chamber Orchesra and
„Discantus” Chamber Choir with whom he recorded „Kashubian Mass” composed by Michał
Sławecki and „Te Deum” composed by Adam Disner. He took part in the recording of Mozart's
Church Sonatas conducted by Maxim Vengerov. He also recorded music by Franz Liszt, Charles
Marie Widor, Feliks Nowowiejski, Naji Hakim, Daniel Magnus Gronau and contemporary
composers. His own CD's (with solo organ music by Liszt, Widor and Hakim) get a great reviews in
music press. As a composer Zakrzewski wrote mostly for organ, voice and chamber orchestra.
Maciej Zakrzewski is vice-chairman of The Pomeranian Association "Musica Giovane" which
organizes Tczew Organ Festiwal and concerts around the Pomeranian Region. He was nominated
for the City of Gdansk Award for Young Artist in the Field of Culture 2009, and a year later for the
„Pomeranian Griffin Award” in the category „Pomeranian Artistic Hope”. In 2010 he was
nominated for the prize of Gdansk „Splendor Gedanensis” for taking part in a number of artistic
events in Pomerania.
Evgeny Petrov, Russia
Evgeny Petrov is a composer, associate professor of the Department of Orchestration and General Course of Composition in the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, member of the Board of the St. Petersburg Composers Union, artistic director of the International Music Festival "Earth of Children" and laureate of Russian competitions.
Evgeny Petrov was born in 1973 in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk region. He graduated from the Saint Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in composition (2001) and finished post-graduate school (2003) under the supervision of the People's Artist of Russia, Professor Yuri Falik.
His compositions are performed at concerts and festivals all over Russia and in other countries across the world. Conductors like Mariss Jansons, Yuri Bashmet, Alexander Sladkovsky, Fabio Mastrangelo, Gintaras Rinkevičius, Gavriel Heine, Vladimir Simkin, Alexander Titov, Vladimir Altshuler, Valentin Nesterov, Alexander Chernushenkо, Arcady Steinlucht, Alim Shakh, Fyodor Lednyov, Mikhail Golikov, Edward Banko, Ho Chung Yeh (Taiwan), and others include Petrov’s compositions in their repertoire.
The composer's work covers various genres. Among Petrov’s opuses one can mention his instrumental opera “Olga the Russian”, his symphony “Petersburg”, Concerto for symphony orchestra, symphony–cantata "Monasteries of the Russian North", musical-theatrical performance “Russian Proverbs”, Concertino for piano and chamber orchestra “Italian Carnival”, two concertos for choir, five chamber concertos, “Film-concert(o)” for double bass and piano with orchestra and many other chamber, choral and orchestral works, as well as music for theatre.
Evgeny Petrov’s works are being published in the “Compozitor • Saint Petersburg” Publishing House. In 2016, the publisher released the book “The Composer Yevgeniy Petrov” by Marina Smirnova, Professor of the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory.
Johann-Peter Taferner, Germany
Johann-Peter Taferner (JPT) was born in Hamburg and was initially influenced musically by his mother, a singer. Manfred Richter and Prof. Stefan Geiger (orchestra), Prof. Guido Müller (clarinet), Brigitte Siebenkittel (vocals) and Prof. Michael Höltzel (chamber music) also played a significant role in his youth education. JPT is, among other things, a multiple federal prize winner of the Jugend musiziert competition.
JPT completed his music studies with Prof. Ralph Manno in Cologne. He received further clarinetist impulses from Professors Martin Spangenberg, Hans-Dietrich Klaus and Johannes Peitz. He deepened his studies of chamber music with the professors/teachers Renate Greiss-Armin, Georg Klütsch, Christian Wetzel, Robert Winn, Eberhard Feltz, Anthony Spiri and Roglit Ishay. JPT owes its knowledge of music theory primarily to Joachim Herbold and Prof. Henning Pohlmann. JPT was a scholarship holder in the Orchestra Academy of the Essen Philharmonic, a member of the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and a finalist in the German Music Competition.
JPT is the board member and principal clarinetist of the Hamburg Camerata, Member of the Ensemble Obligat and Head of the Bad Neuenahrer QuAHRtetts — an ensemble specialising in salon music with its own concert series at the eponymous location.
Various projects as a soloist and chamber musician have also brought him together with renowned artists such as Martina Gedeck, Matthias Brandt, Burkard Sondermeier, Simone Young, Martin Stadtfeld, Gustav Frielinghaus, Marianna Shirinyan, Harri Mäki and Helge Slaatto.
He has worked as principal clarinetist in the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, the Gürzenich Orchestra and the orchestras of the stages of Essen, Wuppertal, Solingen, Remscheid, Recklinghausen and Gelsenkirchen and has worked under conductors such as Lothar Zagrosek, Kristjan Järvi, Michael Sanderling, Stefan Soltesz, Simon Gaudenz, Helmut Müller-Brühl and Ralf Gothóni.
He accepted invitations to the USA, the Middle East and across Europe. In Germany he has been heard at the Rheingau Music Festival, the Hohenlohe Music Summer, the Ludwigsluster Schlosskonzerten and the IMF Buxtehude. He regularly performs at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
JPT teaches as a freelance lecturer at the institute, among others MenschMusik Hamburg. Numerous students won national prizes at the Jugend musiziert competition and successfully qualified for further studies at the leading music academies. In addition to jury activities, JPT is a regular lecturer at the Kultursommer Arnsberg.
The circle to his musical roots is closed by musical "foreign passages" as a singer in the field of jazz and chanson. But even as a clarinetist he always remains curious and has been working for some time with the Iranian singer Maryam Akhondy in the field of world music and has made guest appearances at the KulturSommer Wolfenbüttel or the renowned world music series Masters from all over the world in Herdecke.
Rodolfo La Banca, Italy
Rodolfo La Banca's interest in historical clarinets led him to specialize in this practice at the Royal Conservatory of Music of Brussels - Belgium.
He graduated in D.A.M.S. Musicology
He has held master classes in Sweden at the "Royal College of Music" in Stockholm, Malta at the "J. Strauss School" in Valletta, in China, Argentina at the Conservatory of Buenos Aires and Banfild, the Nortrher University in Los Angeles, Conservatory of Lisbon, UNT university in Dallas - USA.
exceptional soloist, he has participated as a soloist in numerous events and with important orchestras in asia and in the united states.
Founder of the chamber trio "Trio Seikilos - Clarinet, Cello and Piano", with which he has performed, in Italy and abroad, the complete works by L. van Beethoven written for this ensemble.
Founder of the "Kalamus trio", a group that performs the 18th century repertoire for clarinet on original instruments. Guest Lecturer at Nagoya College of Music in Japan. Lecturer in historical clarinet at the University of Clarinet in Camerino. Currently he is professor of historical clarinet at the Conservatory: A. Boito in Parma, L. Refice in Frosinone and S. Giacomantonio in Cosenza.
Safak Eriskin, Turkey
Born in Istanbul in 1971, Safak Eriskin started her first music lessons at Turkish Radio and Television’s
Children Choir when she was only 7. After graduating from the Violoncello department of Mimar
Sinan University State Conservatoire Istanbul as a student of Prof. Resit Erzin at 1991, she attended to
the master-classes of M. Rostropovic, A. Rudin, D. Shafran, M. Maisky and N. Gutman. During her
master’s program at Mimar Sinan University, Istanbul in the fields of ‘Aesthetics, Philosophy, 19th
Century Art History, Cello, Pre-School Cello Education, in 1994 as a member of Istanbul Quartett, she
was accepted with full scholarship into four years of ‘Quartett Perfection’ programmes of Accademia
Musicale Chigiana and Scuola di Musica di Fiesole-Firenze by Maestro Piero Farulli (the founder of
famous Italian Quartett) and she was awarded to ‘Honorary Diploma’ from both of these instutitions
in 1997. She received various degrees with Istanbul Quartett by attending to the competitions in
Cremona Quartet, Florence V. GUI and Moscow Schostakovitch. During her education and after, she
attended to many concerts in whole Italy, Europe, United States, Russia and Middle East. She also had
the opportunity of working with famous cellist of Borodin Quartett, Valentin Berlinsky in Moscow and
with the Takacs Quartett in Denver, Colorado University in perfection programme . She released a Cd
in 1997 consisting works of J. Brahms for the occasion of Brahms Year. Performed Chamber Music
concerts with distinguished artists such as Idil Biret, Peter Jablonski, Steven Kovacevic, Huseyin
Sermet. She arranged Tchaikovsky’s Love Songs and recorded it with Bass Ayhan Baran and Pianist
Judith Ulug in 2006. Attended to various dance and music festivals in Netherlands, Germany and
Spain as guest artist. Having the Professional Coaching Certificate approved from International
Coaching Federation ‘ICF’, Eriskin worked with professional musicians in the fields of ; Stage, Artist,
Career, Performance, Stage Psychology and Artistic Development. She also coached young orchestra
musicians at the National Youth Orchestra of Turkey.
Besides her solo cello post at the State Opera and Ballet Orchestra now in Istanbul, Safak Eriskin was
the Principal Cellist of Akbank Chamber Orchestra for 12 years, also the principal cellist of Borusan
Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra until season 2017 which is the first Turkish Orchestra being invited to
BBC Prom’s in London. As well as her individual concerts and trainings, she is currently Cello teacher
in BAU Conservatuary in İstanbul and member of Cello Paradiso Quartet and BAU Trio.
Antonio Spaccarotella, Italy
Despite his young age, Antonio Spaccarotella is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant and multifaceted accordionists of the new generation, he is the leader of projects ranging from the Solo to the Symphony Orchestra, with which he has performed countless concerts of various artistic origins, treading the stages of all over the world, with tours in: Russia, Czech Republic, South Korea, Morocco, New Zealand, China, Canada, USA, India, Brazil, Chile, Argentina France, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Finland, Croatia, Holland, Romania, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, England, with concerts at: Shanghai Grand Theater, Conca Austica by Salvador de Bahia, Art Center by SEUL, Gnessin Hall in Moscow, Bing Crosby Theater – Spokane WA – (USA), KolKatta Classical Teather (India), Philarmonics Hall in Bacau- (Romania), Teatro Nuovo and Teatro Menotti – Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Astra Theater in Castelfidardo, White Hall in San Pietro burgo, Rostov State Musical Theater and many more.
He has participated and won the most significant and important international accordion competitions and in October 2008 he won the PIF International Prize of Castelfidardo, considered by the accordion scene as the most important and coveted competition and recognition in the world.
He made his first disc of his unpublished compositions Non c’è Tempo (NSJ Italy) with saxophonist Alberto La Neve in 2014 and later with Nicola Pisani (baritone saxophone) he will make an entire CD of contemporary music and guided improvisations.
He is the Production Director of the OFC Calabrian Philharmonic and supports its Leader Filippo Arlia for all productions, collaborations, recordings and projects of various artistic backgrounds that concern him: Fortissimo Festival, Campus AFAM, Festival del Mediterraneo, OPM Orchestra.
In 2017 he made his debut as a soloist at the Kaunas Philharmonic (Lithuania) on the occasion of the world premiere of Sūrya Horiental Tango, an original composition for accordion and symphony orchestra that embodies the personal idea of research and avant-garde accordion.
He is involved in various higher education institutes in Italy and abroad, holding seminars and masterclasses at: Shanghai Normal University (China), Department of Music of the Federal University of Paraiba (Brazil), Conservatoire National de Musique et Art Coreographique de Rabat (Morocco), Stanislao Giacomantonio State Conservatory of Music (Italy), The prestigious Gnessin Academy of Moscow (Russia), PI Conservatory of Music Tchaikovsky (Italy) where he conducted the Philharmonic Orchestra of Calabria on the occasion of the AFAM Campus. In 2016, the Italian Accordion Culture nominated him Accordion Ambassador for the great achievements and enhancement of the Italian accordion in the world.
In 2017, the Confederation Internationale des Accordéonistes – International Music Council – UNESCO awarded him the MERIT AWARD along with Yuri Shiskyn in Rostov on Don (Russia).
In 2018 he was awarded the honorary honor of honorary professor by the National Academy S. Rachmaninov – Rostov State Music Conservatory (Russia). He is the didactic coordinator of the Agreement Advance, a project synergy for international professional training. He boasts a class of students from all over the world including numerous winners of the most important international competitions (CIA, CMA, PIF, Klingenthal), many already carrying out teaching and concert activities.
He is one of the seven members elected by the congress (2018) of the Music Committee of the Confederation Internationale des Accordéonistes. He is titular professor of classical and traditional accordion at the PITchaikovsky Catanzaro-Nocera Terinese State Conservatory of Music and founding president of the Astor Piazzolla Academy, the first and exclusive academy in the world of the Astor Piazzolla Foundation of (Buenos Aires) directed by Laura Escalada Piazzolla, widow of the Argentine visionary genius and who later personally assigns the PIAZZOLLA AWARD to her URBAN project (research work and promotion of Tango).
Olga Ushakova, Russia
Olga Ushakova (1948), Assistant Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), Faculty of Art. She graduated from Russian Gnesin's Academy of Music, Russian State Social University, and works as a piano professor. Olga Ushakova supervises and coordinates creative work of piano and chamber ensemble at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow.
Olga Ushakova regularly participates in a wide range of concerts, in particular, as a concertmaster accompanying both vocalist and instrumental groups, as a part of Violin Ensemble of Siberia and the soloists’ ensemble “Concertino” at Moscow State Philharmonic. For many years she was the first performer that played Russian composers’ works at the "Moscow Autumn" Festival and one of the organizers of the International Festival-Competition "Music of Childhood" in Moscow.
Olga Ushakova’s students and graduates constantly participate in city conferences, international scientific and practical conferences, festivals, and competitions. She has trained more than 40 laureates (including Grand Prix Laureates) in various musical competitions in Russia, Greece, China, and Finland.
Olga Ushakova has been decorated with the Badge of Honour of the Ministry Education and Science and in 2014 was enlisted in digital catalogue “Top 100 Russian lecturers at the year of 2014” («100 лучших педагогов России - 2014»). She is a laureate of both international (Greece, China) and Moscow musical competitions; Olga Ushakova was awarded multiple diplomas, certificates of merit, and letters of gratitude from the Moscow goverment.
The main purpose of Olga Ushakova’s teaching activity is the development and full realization of creative potential of each student.
Ryan Namkoong, South Korea
Mr. Namkoong is a native of South Korea. He earned a Bachelor of Music in violin performance and Master of Music in choral conducting from West Chester University, where he served as a graduate assistantship, concertmaster of WCU orchestra, conductor of the WCU opera productions, Jazz Vocal Choir sound system director, Lotus String Quartet leader, and served on the WCU Composition Competition Committee. Mr. Namkoong is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting at the University of South Carolina. In addition to his academic achievements, he is a performer, an active violinist, violist, singer, teacher, and conductor. He led a successful teaching career where he taught choral music, orchestra conductor, instrumental professor, and academic affairs coordinator for Chun University. Mr. Namkoong currently serves as Charlotte Mecklenburg School District as orchestra director. During his school years, Namkoong serves district and state honors orchestra for middle and high school students. He is also the artistic director of Carolina chorale. Namkoong is the liaison between American Choral Directors Association and Korean Choral Directors Association. Namkoong is recently joined Honors Performance Series for middle school, high school, and adult groups at New York Carnegie - New York, Musikverein - Vienna, and Opera House - Sydney as assistant conductor. At the age of four, he began teaching himself to play piano and took violin lessons young age, along with music composition and theory.
Marta Plominska, Poland
Polish flutist Marta Plominska has performed in Europe and the United States. Ms. Plominska is the Part-Time Faculty at University of Nevada Las Vegas where she is currently working on her Doctor of Musical Arts. Marta is the winner of many awards. Among her recent successes, Marta has won 1st place at South Carolina Flute Society Young Artist Competition, 1st Prize at Grand Prize Virtuoso Brussels International Competition, 1st place at the Flute Society of Kentucky Young Artist Competition, 1st place at the Oklahoma Flute Society Collegiate Competition, 1st place at IMKA International Music Competition, 1st place at Great Composers Competition – Masters of Wind Sonata, 2nd place at Arizona Flute Society, 2nd place at the Georgia Philharmonic Competition in Atlanta, 1st place at the International Music Competition Barletta in Italy, and 3rd place at the Emuse Music Competition in Greece. She developed her flute experience at summer music festivals in the USA, Poland, Germany, Hungary and Italy. Ms. Plominska has collaborated with many orchestras including Krakow Opera, Springer Opera House, Nevada Chamber Orchestra, Pan-European Philharmonia, PassionArt Orchestra and the Polish Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to teaching career, Marta is an established international adjudicator. Highlights of her adjudicating positions are Stockholm International Music Competition in Sweden,Muse International Music Competition in Greece, MAP International Music Competition in California, III Malopolski Festiwal Fletowy in Poland, and Silver State Competition in Las Vegas.
Dardan Gjinolli, Kosovo
Dardan Gjinolli was born on January 3, 1984 in Gjilan-Kosovo. He completed primary and secondary music school in Prizren at the Lorenc Antoni school. He continued his studies in Pristina, with professor Stojan Dimov, then he continued his postgraduate studies in Skopje with the same saxophone professor. He is a soloist in the radio and television band of Kosovo, head of the saxophone section in the FSK... Assistant professor at Haxhi Zeka University in Pejë in the subject of saxophone, as well as lecturer at Hasan Prishtina University of Prishtina. He performed in many European countries as well as in the USA, Iowa, London, etc.
Hao Liu, China
Dr. Hao Liu (China), composer, producer, music theory researcher, professor of composition, PhD / Master supervisor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, member of Chinese Musicians Association, director of Shanghai Computer Music Association, is an expert of classical music, electronic music design, music technology, and music intelligence. He has made over 20 articles published in national famous magazines. He organized and participated in five national art fund projects, and established MusiCure team to assist hospitals and help patients to recover. He was also the judge for National College Students Computer Design Competition organized by Ministry of Education of China.
He has completed around 200 works, including a great number of commissioned works for Shanghai Opera House, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Suzhou Opera Theatre, China Conservatory of Music, Xi’an Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Yue Opera House, etc. His works cover a variety of styles and include a great number of traditional and western instruments, widely performed by symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and soloists, and were presented in dance operas, dramas, movies, stage performances, large musical events, recitals, and concerts.
His students won top prizes in International Competition For Acousmatic Competition METAMORPHOSES, Belgium, International Piano Competition Smederevo Composition Competition, Serbia，International Youth Music Competition, Atlanta, USA, Donne in Musica International Composition Competition, Serbia, Denny Awards International Electronic Music Competition, etc.
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