VC INTERVIEW | Friedemann Eichhorn - Carnegie Hall Presents 'The Soloists of the Kronberg Academy'

The Violin Channel recently caught up with Kronberg Academy Director of Masters Study, Mr Friedemann Eichhorn - at Carnegie Hall, in New York City

The Violin Channel recently caught up with Kronberg Academy Director of Masters Study, Mr Friedemann Eichhorn - in New York City.

The Soloists of Kronberg Academy, featuring VC Artists Marc Bouchkov, Stephen Waarts, Matthew Lipman and Jonathan Roozeman alongside violist Antoine Tamestit and cellist Gary Hoffman, will this week perform 4 recitals at New York's iconic Carnegie Hall.

Tell us about the upcoming 'Soloists of the Kronberg Academy' 4 concert program at Carnegie Hall?

"We have been granted this wonderful opportunity of a weekend residency presented by Carnegie Hall on February 21st, 22nd and 23rd.

The 4 concerts will include two duo recitals at Weill Hall - plus two major chamber music concerts at Zankel Hall"

What is the repertoire and who can we expect to see on stage for this exciting project?

"The repertoire for the 4 concerts will range from duo works up to sextets.

The 2 concerts at Weill Hall will feature our young soloists, violinists Marc Bouchkov and Stephen Waarts, violist Matthew Lipman, cellist Jonathan Roozeman with the Kronberg Academy pianists Mishka Momen and Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula.

The works will include Bach's 'Chaconne' and Brahms' 2nd Cello Sonata - as well as treasures by Bartok and Ysaye and more.

For the two chamber music concerts we are very happy to be collaborating with our longtime friends and 'seniors' from the Academy - violist Antoine Tamestit and cellist Gary Hoffman.

The repertoire will include Brahms' String Quintet, Tchaikovsky's 'Souvenir de Florence', Mozart's Violin & Viola Duo and Dovrak's 'Terzetto'.

It is a real treat of wonderful music with many different characters"

What was your idea behind the programming and your integration of both students from the Academy performing alongside the 'senior' performers?

"This concept of performing alongside 'seniors' is one of the core fundamentals of the Kronberg Academy.

We believe our students learn the most by combining lessons with onstage performing.

We've found that playing alongside the great musicians at the Academy provides enormous inspiration and joy for all - and often leads to absolutely outstanding performances"

Tell us more about the Kronberg Academy - and its philosophy and overarching mission?

"The Kronberg Academy is a training institution and place of inspiration for musicians of all generations.

It brings exceptionally gifted young violinists, violists, cellists and pianists together with leading contemporary artists who pass on their experience, ideas and values and help the young people to mature as artists.

In this way it creates a place where musical values are lived out, musical ideas are sparked, a new generation of musical pioneers comes into being and we can experience the full force and beauty classical music at close quarters.

Kronberg Academy offers tailor-made study programs that are adjusted ‒ in terms of both content and scheduling ‒ to our students' individual needs"

What was the idea of taking this series on tour to Carnegie Hall? And, what do you feel the musicians will gain from this incredible experience?

"Carnegie Hall is a dream for every musician - a truly legendary place!

Any musician who plays there will never forget it.

This project at Carnegie Hall is truly an ideal ... great music with wonderfully talented partners ... on this stage ... and for a most knowledgeable audience.

It cannot get any better!"