When it comes to learning the violin, it is widely believed that starting at a young age.
This is typically between 3-6 years old because it provides the best foundation for mastery.
However, life’s circumstances often lead individuals to embark on their violin journey later in life.
This article will explore professional violinists who choose to pursue their passion for the violin at a later stage.
So if you’re looking to learn violin but think it might be late, these well-known violinists’ stories should help.
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Daniel Kurganov
At 16, Daniel Kurganov embarked on a musical adventure that defied convention.
While he had already acquired skills on the guitar and explored other instruments, it was the violin that captured his heart.
This unexpected twist in his musical path was sparked by the encouragement of his piano teacher, Alla Danichkina, who also happened to teach violin.
With Alla’s and his mother’s support, Daniel tentatively picked up the violin, not knowing that this moment would set the stage for a remarkable journey.
Daniel Kurganov has made many accomplishments in the musical world.
In 2018, he released his debut album alongside pianist Constantine Finehouse under the Spice Classics label.
It received universal acclaim from critics, leaving a lasting impression.
Then, in November 2021, he made world-premiere recordings of the exceptional music composed by Lera Auerbach and Richard Beaudoin, which Orchid Classics released.
His wins and accomplishments have shown no timeframe to learn an instrument, especially a violin.
Pinchas Zukerman
Pinchas Zukerman, born on July 16, 1948, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a remarkable figure in classical music.
Renowned as an Israeli American violinist, violist, and conductor, Zukerman’s career has spanned over five decades, earning him widespread acclaim and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Unlike many prodigies who started their musical journey incredibly young, Zukerman began playing the violin at around seven years old.
While this may be considered late in traditional music education, Zukerman’s passion and innate musicality quickly became evident.
He devoted countless hours to practicing, striving to catch up to his peers and make up for the lost time.
At age eight, he entered the prestigious Tel Aviv Academy of Music, where his talent and dedication began to flourish.
In 1962, with the support of renowned violinist Isaac Stern, Zukerman embarked on a transformative chapter in his life, traveling to New York City to study at the renowned Juilliard School.
His time at Juilliard, lasting until 1967, laid the foundation for his future accomplishments.
His story exemplifies that starting late should never be perceived as an insurmountable barrier to success.
Elmar Oliviera
Despite his brother’s profession as a violinist, Elmar Oliveira began his journey with the violin late at the age of 9 years old.
This is because he was enrolled in the public school system.
Elmar Oliveira, an American violinist and the son of Portuguese immigrants commenced his violin studies under the guidance of his brother John.
Later, he continued his training with Ariana Bronne and Raphael Bronstein at the Hartt College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, graduating in 1972.
Oliveira’s career showed great promise early on, evident through his victories at prestigious competitions such as the Naumburg International (1975) and G.B. Dealey Competitions.
However, in 1978, when he achieved extraordinary success at the Sixth Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow, he truly fulfilled his potential.
Alongside Ilya Grubert from Latvia, Oliveira secured the Gold Medal in violin performance, becoming the sole American violinist to attain this coveted award.
Notably, Oliveira was the first violinist to be awarded the coveted Avery Fisher Prize in 1983, a testament to his exceptional artistry and musicianship.
His musical interpretations were marked by technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a profound connection with audiences.
Karen Briggs
Karen Briggs, a renowned violinist, has mesmerized audiences worldwide with her heartfelt and masterful performances.
Despite beginning her musical journey at 12, Karen’s unwavering passion and commitment to the violin propelled her to become a true professional.
Hailing from Manhattan, New York, she was raised in a family of musicians and honed her skills at the esteemed Berklee College of Music.
Throughout her career, Karen has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Yanni, Wynton Marsalis, Chaka Khan, and Diana Ross.
Her extraordinary ability to improvise and fuse classical, jazz, and R&B genres has earned her the moniker.
In addition, Karen’s exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry have garnered well-deserved recognition.
She has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy nomination for her collaboration with jazz pianist George Duke on the enchanting piece “Ave Maria.”
It is worth noting that Karen Briggs stands as a testament to greatness, knowing no timeframe.
Although she started late, she has cemented her legacy as one of the finest violinists of our era, with a lasting impact for generations to come.
Kyung-Wha Chung
Is it possible for anyone, regardless of age, to learn any instrument, including the violin? Yes, without a doubt, as demonstrated by Kyung-Wha Chung’s inspiring path.
She is a renowned violinist from South Korea who captivates audiences all over the world with her passionate and virtuosic performances.
Despite having a late start in music, Kyung-Wha Chung’s talent grew as she loved the violin.
Kyung-Wha, born in Seoul in 1948, began playing the violin at six and showed extraordinary skill even as a child.
She was able to enroll at the famous Juilliard School in New York because of her commitment and perseverance.
She made her professional debut at 18, captivating listeners with her expert skills while performing with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Numerous honors and successes have been bestowed on Kyung-Wha throughout her career.
In fact, she won the coveted first prize in the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1967; she created history.
Throughout her impressive career, she has collaborated with some of the most renowned orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Vienna Philharmonic.
Furthermore, her extended career has garnered several awards and favorable reviews and spans various musical genres.
Kyung-Wha’s performances and records have mesmerized audiences for a very long time and continue to do that.
She will forever be regarded as one of the greatest violinists ever.
Thanks to her unwavering zeal, imaginative interpretation, and technical prowess, she has solidly cemented her status as a legend in the classical music world.
Janine Jasen
Janine Jansen, a talented Dutch violinist, has earned worldwide acclaim for her heartfelt and expressive musical renditions.
Born in 1978 into a family deeply rooted in music, Jansen embarked on her violin journey relatively late.
She started at the age of 6. She pursued her studies at the Utrecht Conservatory and the Hochschule für Musik Köln, solidifying her musical foundation.
Jansen’s performances are characterized by her lyrical and emotive style, remarkable technical prowess, and mastery of her instrument.
She has graced the stages alongside renowned orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, collaborating with esteemed conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Marin Alsop, and Antonio Pappano.
Beyond her classical repertoire, Jansen possesses a strong affinity for contemporary music.
She has commissioned numerous works from esteemed composers like Michel van der Aa, Johan Halvorsen, and Anders Hillborg.
Additionally, her discography includes notable recordings, including a highly acclaimed rendition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Her dedication shows that it can be done if you put your mind to it.
Takeaway
Ultimately, the journey of late-starting violinists is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of dedication.
Such that by embracing their unique path and staying committed to their musical aspirations.
These individuals have been able to create beautiful music and find immense satisfaction in their late-blooming violin adventure.
