Vermont Symphony Orchestra

Violin Masterclass with Bella Hristova

May 4, 2023

 

This spring, the VSO is partnering with the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival to host a public masterclass with violinist Bella Hristova, in parallel with Hristova’s performance with the VSO on May 6.

Student violinists will join Ms. Hristova on stage and perform works from the classical repertoire, followed by Ms. Hristova’s comments and suggestions for technique, musicianship and interpretation.  Members of the public are welcome to join the audience.  Admission is free.

The Masterclass will be held on May 4, 2023, from 4:30-6:00pm, in the Auditorium at the South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market St, South Burlington VT 05403.  

 

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Talented and aspiring violin students up to and including 22 years of age who have prepared a work in the standard violin repertoire (concerto, sonata, unaccompanied work, etc) and can collaboratively respond to Ms. Hristova’s guidance and instruction in a public setting. 

 

PRIZES

  • Three finalists will be selected to take part in the masterclass.  Each of the three finalists will have approximately 30 minutes to work with Ms. Hristova on the piece of music they’ve submitted with this application. 
  • Each finalist will receive up to 4 complimentary tickets to the VSO Classical Series Concert on May 6, 2023.
  • Housing arrangements can be made if required for finalists outside of the Burlington area.

 

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

A complete application includes a Student Application and Teacher Nomination.  Both sections must be received on or before Saturday, April 1, 2023.  No audio or video recording is required.

The Student Application includes: Demographic information, title of repertoire to be performed, additional repertoire studied, involvement in ensembles, festivals, etc, and a short description of why the student is interested in this opportunity.

The Teacher Nomination includes: Demographic information, brief recommendation, and description of student’s strengths and areas for growth.

An application/nomination may be initiated by either the student or teacher. 

Click here for Application and Nomination Forms

For more information contact Education Coordinator Hannah Hansen: hannah@vso.org.

 

JUDGING AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS

Finalists will be decided by a jury selected by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Finalists will be announced publicly and informed in writing by Saturday, April 1, 2023.

 

About Bella Hristova

Bulgarian-American violinist Bella Hristova has won international acclaim for her “expressive nuance and rich tone” (New York Times) and “impressive power and control” (Washington Post). She has distinguished herself on the world stage as a performing artist with a remarkably diverse repertoire and bold approach to programming. A recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, she has won numerous awards including First Prize in the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, First Prize in the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, and is a Laureate of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

For more information about Ms. Hristova, click here.

 

Ms. Hristova performs with the VSO on May 6

Bella Hristova joins the orchestra to perform Saturn Bells, a work written by her husband, David Ludwig. The piece was inspired by the scientific discovery that vibrations across the surface of that icy planet cause it to resonate like a lonely cosmic bell. Hristova also solos in Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, a favorite of virtuoso violinists with its homage to Scottish folk melodies.

To buy tickets to this performance, click here.

 

 

This masterclass is offered in partnership with