Leila Josefowicz Joins Mannes School of Music Faculty

Josefowicz will serve as the Felix Galimir Fellow in Violin Performance and Leadership

(Photo credit: Chris Lee)

The American-Canadian violinist will mentor and teach lessons in violin, lead workshops, and develop innovative projects inspired by her career as a soloist. This coming February, Josefowicz will perform a private recital at Mannes for students, staff, and colleagues.

The Felix Galimir Fellow was established to honor Felix Galimir, who taught violin and chamber music at Mannes for 27 years and founded Galimir String Quartet.

“It is a huge honor for me to be named the Felix Galimir Fellow," Josefowicz commented. "I’m deeply moved and thank Mannes. Of all my teachers in my mid to late teens, I would say that Felix spoke straight to me and helped me develop my musical tastes and aesthetic sound, urging me towards the 20th and 21st centuries.

"He was extremely forward thinking, and in my opinion prioritized great characterization in musical playing above all. This is still my first priority. I am so thankful for his influence. With him in my mind always, and still seeing the twinkle in his eye, I am extremely inspired and proud to be part of the Mannes family,” she added.

(Photo courtesy: Mannes School of Music)

In recent years Josefowicz has premiered a number of important new compositions — including works by John Adams, Oliver Knussen, Thomas Ades, and Esa-Pekka Salonen.

She is the recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize and the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2008. She will make her Violin Channel Vanguard Concert Series debut in the upcoming 2022 season.

“I have followed Leila’s career for quite some time now and have developed a deep admiration for who she is as a human being and artist," said Richard Kessler, Executive Dean of the College of Performing Arts and Dean of Mannes. "Leila’s commitment to contemporary music is a perfect fit for Mannes and it is extra special to appoint such a wonderful violinist, who joins a violin faculty that we are all very proud of. I would imagine David Mannes, himself a violinist, would be very happy right now. It is particularly touching to honor Leila’s mentor and friend, Felix Galimir, and I am sure that Leila will continue the tradition of artistry, education, and humanity that Felix Galimir was known for.”