ALUMNI

Qing Yung Yu (China) - Associate Concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony.

Vadim Tchijik (France) - Award and recording contract with Harmonia Mundi, recital engagements and festival performances in Europe. Professor at Rameau & Satie conservatories in Paris.

Lisa Kerob (France) - Concertmaster of the Monte Carlo Symphony, Monaco.

Peter Schoeman (RSA) - Leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Robert Kowalski (Poland) - Violinist, Szymanowski Quartet. Former: First Concertmaster at the Radio Orchestra in Lugano / Switzerland.

Catharina Chen (Norway) - iPalpiti Ambassador. Soloist. First Concertmaster, Norway National Opera Theater. Leader: Oslo Camerata, Norway Chamber Orchestra. Member of iPalpiti since 2004.

Conrad Chow (Canada) - Soloist Faculty, Royal Conservatory of Music. Jury, international competitions.

Peter Rainer (Germany) - Concertmaster, Kammerkademie Potsdam; Leader, Persius Ensemble; guest soloist. Professor, Unversitat der Kunste Berlin and Hanns Eisler Hochschule fur Musik.

Juan Miguel Hernandez (Canada) - Concert violist. Professor, University of Montreal. Professor, Royal Academy of Music, London. Former: Violist, Fine Arts Quartet.

Julia Sakharova (Moldova) - Violinist, Arianna String Quartet. Assistant Professor of Violin, University of Missouri, St. Louis. Former: Associate Concertmaster, Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel Turcina (Slovakia) - Concertmaster, Trondheim Orchestra and Soloists, Norway. Artistic leader, Chamber Philharmony.

Alexander Snytkin (Lithuania) - Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Former: Concertmaster, Bergen Philharmonic, Norway.

Vladimir Dyo (USA) - Founder, Global Music Partnership. Former: Faculty, Boyer College of Music, Temple University, Philadelphia. Concertmaster, Capital Philharmonic, New Jersey.

Vesselin Demirev (Bulgaria) - Concertmaster, Aalborg National Symphony, Denmark.

Yamei Yu (China) - Concertmaster, Bavarian State Orchestra in Munich. Professor chair for violin at the Robert Schumann Hochschule Dusseldorf.

Eugenia Pikovsky (Israel) - Principal violinist, Israel Philharmonic. Former: Concertmaster, Bern Symphony, Switzerland; Concertmaster Jerusalem Symphony.

Ryo Mikami (Japan) - Co-Concertmaster, Sapporo Symphony. Former: Member, Lausanne Soloists (Swiss).

Misa Yamuro (Japan) - 1st violinist, Berlin Radio Symphony; former, Munich Philharmonic (Zubin Mehta, Director).

Catherine Leonard (Ireland) - Leading violinist in Ireland. Director, music festivals.

Miroslava Ivanchenko (Ukraine) - Tours as soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and the U.S. Dayton Philharmonic, assistant principal. Former: Alabama Symphony, Concertmaster New World Symphony (Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor).

Lauraine Desgrees De Lou (France) - Chamber musician, 1st violinist, Paris opera.

Michael Arlt, Philipp Bonen (Germany) - Violinists of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Xinlai Jiang (Hong Kong / China) - Principal Bass, Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Thibault Vieux (France) - Assitant Concermaster, Paris Opera.

Peter Danis (Slovakia) - Concertmaster, Malaysia National Symphony.

Ken Aiso (Japan) - Violinist/violist, chamber musician, Former: Leader of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in London. Faculty - Royal Academy of Music.

Eliah Sakakushev (Bulgaria) - Artistic Director of Villa Seligmann of Hanover - Germany’s only full time organization for Jewish Music and Jewish Sacred Music. Artistic Director, Musikfest Schloss Wonfurt, Germany. Former: Director of the Jewish Music Festival in Madrid. Principal, Auckland Symphony, New Zealand. Member of the cello faculty, Kronberg Academy (“cello capital of the world”) in Germany.

Pedro Carneiro (Portugal) - Recognized as one of the world’s foremost solo percussionists, performs frequently in Europe, the Far East and the USA, and a guest soloist with numerous orchestras. Solo recordings.

Alexander Dzyubinski (Moldova) - Principal, 2nd Violins, Aalborg Symfoniorkester, Denmark.

Fumika Yamamura (Japan) and Gabriel Bussi (Uruguay) - Violinists, members of Orquestra de Sinfonia de Galicia, one of Spain’s premier orchestras.

Robert Ashworth (Canada) - Member of Auckland Philharmonic, New Zealand.

Timo-Veikko Valve (Finland) - Principal Solo Cellist, Australian Chamber Orchestra; founding member, Helsinki Cello Ensemble.

Emmanuel Held (Germany) - 1st violin section, Dresden Staatskapella.

Janna Dimont (Israel / Cyprus) - Concertmaster, Cyprus Chamber Orchestra.

Dennis Posin (Germany) - 1st violin section, National Mannheim Opera.

Dmitri Ratush (Israel) - Violist, Israel Philharmonic. Former: Principal Violist, Bern Symphony, Switzerland; Israel Camerata.

Raushan Akhmedyarova (Kazakhstan) - 1st violinist, San Francisco Symphony; former: Concertmaster of New World Symphony.

Alex Akimov (Russia) - Violist. Member, Moscow State Orchestra. Winner, Brahms International Competition (Vienna, 2004).

Kazuhiro Takagi (Japan) - Soloist. Concertmaster Dallas Chamber Symphony. Former: Concertmaster Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Osaka Symphony Orchestra.

Eldar Saparaev (Kazakhstan) - Soloist/Chamber musician. Director, Festivals Switzerland.

Peter Dènes (Hungary) - Violist, Salzburg Camerata.

Isabelle Lambelet (Switzerland) - 1st violinist, Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich.

Maria Machowska (Poland) -Concertmaster, Warsaw Philharmonic [Sinfonia Varsovia].

Sukeyuki Iwatani (Japan) - Concertmaster, Kansai Symphony Orchestra

…iPalpiti has become part of my life. And a huge part. From initial email almost 5 years ago, to the friendships I’ve made (for life), the invaluable time spent with maestro Dr. S, and the lessons learnt from you Mrs. S in building festivals/sponsors/professional relationships. …Peter, Conrad, Lars, Kian, Catharina, Nora, Marie, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on – all iPalpiti family that I continue to work with on each season: each of us introducing each other to other contacts, sharing beautiful concerts together, travelling around to meet each other informally too – iPalpiti is a real family. It’s unique. The supporters and benefactors of iPalpiti - such kind and generous people is invaluable to my emotional health, and gives me such strength knowing the support I have the other side of the world.

…Hearing Peter play that first rehearsal back almost 5 years ago sticks in my memory… his solos, grace, attitude has taught me many things: especially how to cope with situations professionally. And what a player......... Any time on rehearsal or performance with him is just 100% joy.

…The time with Dr. Schmieder - both in rehearsal/performance and out. The things I’ve learnt – and the inspiration is impossible to measure. I think he is without doubt, one of the biggest influences on my musical development in the last 5 years since I met him. And he will continue to be for many years to come. And the things that he has opened my mind to play SUCH a role when I teach. Even my students, when I start the phrase “you know, Dr. Schmieder told me........,” immediately sit up and know that what I am about to say comes directly from my innermost feelings.

…I just had a great tour in Toronto with Conrad [Chow]. Such a mature artist – and one on the most warm people I’ve ever met – preparing concerts (recital and Brahms double) in Canada with him was an unforgettable experience.

…This season several iPalpiti coming to my own festival. Socially, meeting numerous ones all over the world, as our touring paths cross. …I could go on - iPalpiti as you must know, is deeply installed in my life.

All my love, very warmest and best wishes, Jacob.

JACOB SHAW/Cellist UK-Denmark: Founder of the Scandinavian Cello School, director of his own festival in South France, solo artist…

Over than 15 years, I have been a participant in the iPalpiti festival, which can undoubtedly be called the jewel of the annual music seasons in California. Unfortunately, the situation this year has changed the traditional plans for musical summer highlights. But musicians all over the world still need audience members with whom to share a piece of our soul and heartfelt music from the stage. Everyone believes in the speedy end of this difficult period and we look forward to the genuine joy when we can meet again on the big stage and give our art, share new masterworks and accept the warm love of our listeners.

ARTEM CHIRKOV

St.Petersburg Philharmonic Principal Bass|Bradetich Foundation Board Director

DoubleBass World Festival President|Bassiona Amorosa ensemble member iPalpiti Artists International has a special place in my heart. I was fortunate and privileged to be a member of this wonderful group from 2004 to 2013, including tours in Northern California and Israel. I always looked forward to make music with the iPalpiti family under Maestro Schmieder’s baton and perform in beautiful concert halls such as Walt Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall and Kimmel Center. Maestro Schmieder inspired all of us during rehearsals and on stage to perform in “one heartbeat.” One of the special moments for me was the performance of Tchaikovsky’s String Serenade at Disney Hall when everyone played in one breath from the beginning to the end.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of iPalpiti benefactors and devoted audiences. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Maestro Schmieder and Mrs. Schmieder for your guidance and for creating this opportunity for young musicians from all over the world. In these unprecedented times I wish iPalpiti to stay strong and continue to have successful seasons!

Aisha Dossumova

DMA|Artist-in-Residence at Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, Philadelphia.

I became a member of iPalpiti in the Summer of 2016 and joined the Israel tour in Fall 2017. The tour to Israel changed my life. Not only did we get to play incredible music, including Tchaikovsky’ Souvenir de Florence, we got to see the most amazing historical sites in Israel thanks to the extraordinary planning by director Laura Schmieder. I met so many remarkable people that I continue to be in contact with, and will treasure these memories for the rest of my life. I’m thankful to iPalpiti for bringing us all together to make music, even when that might be very difficult. I wish Dr. Schmieder, Laura Schmieder, all current and former iPalpitians, as well as our beloved audiences good health during this incredibly difficult time.

JULIA CLANCY, Violist/USA | Staatskapelle Berlin, Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin

I had the honor to join the iPalpiti Orchestra in 2014. Many thanks to Maestro Dr. Schmieder and Laura Schmieder for allowing me to share my talent in the viola section. The immense talent of each musician in iPalpiti and world-class music making is abundant. With a unique pool of international talent, iPalpiti brings together musicians from all walks of life for an experience you won’t find anywhere else. I urge anyone who supports the arts to offer their support to this ensemble. While we live in such a dark time in our world history, music has always been a way for each and every one of us to escape. The current state of affairs have placed many performing artists in a difficult place. Live performances have been either canceled or postponed with no potential date in sight. Besides it affecting our income, it also prevents us from expressing ourselves musically and gifting that expression to our beloved audiences.

I remain hopeful that one day, all artists will be able to take the stage once again. I look forward to seeing iPalpiti continue to heighten the artistic lens of the classical community in Los Angeles, and the world, for many years to come.

STEFAN L. SMITH, Violist & Composer | Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Still under the spell of last night! Pure magic. Elegy was out of this world experience. Spellbound! Beethoven – absolutely remarkable. Vivaldi – refined fun. Congratulations! No borders for our admiration and love. You are unique gifts in our lives.

— Yana & Roman

Words fail to say how much we enjoyed that excellent concert! Everything about the evening was just perfect. The music was a real revelation—composers and pieces you thought you knew in a completely fresh and unexpected light. The joy and camaraderie of the musicians was truly infectious.

— Donald G. M.(Pres., Downey Symphonic Society)

It was a magical night. The program was marvelous - each piece was a delight. Our only complaint was that the time went so fast! Please congratulate from us Maestro Schmieder for the painstaking research he did for the Beethoven etc. And that is before one considers the exquisite playing of the orchestra members, with their usual precision and musicality. We love them all. I think this was the finest of all the iPalpiti finales that we have attended.

— Irene W.

What an incredible concert! The program was indeed really special. It moved me deeply! The orchestra and Maestro always find a way to be even better every year that passes. Please thank him again for his gift to us all. I hope you get to relax now and enjoy the fruit of a great work. You are amazing by making all that happen so beautifully!

— Theresa V.

What an exceptional concert, it was great fun to be a part of it. We were so inspired by the evening, we donated to iPalpiti when we arrived home. It must be a wonderful feeling to know how your efforts have reached people, with the wonderful musicians and a nearly packed house being inspired. It is annual event we have enjoyed very much.

— Larry Z.

The concert was a huge hit, in fact, I heard people saying that this was the best concert ever. Today I spoke with the other of one of the children from the summer camp. She’s Mexican and speaks very little English. She told me that the concert was one of the best experiences she’s had since coming to the US. So, thank you on behalf of those children.

— Ariane D., ELF

…captivated…the program was extremely rich in content, touching on a whole series of memories/emotions, with the acute execution of iPalpiti once again proving the brilliance of this ensemble concept. The (nearly?) uniquely exposing acoustic of Disney Hall revealed the results -- the myriad sound spaces a string ensemble can achieve. Magnificent!

— Mark Evans, Delos Records/OWN TV

What a phenomenal ensemble! Thank you again for one of the most enjoyable evenings we’ve ever had listening in classical music and once again reiterate how incredible the orchestra was last night. We still can’t get over how your orchestra sounds like “one big soloist.” … extraordinary performance.

— Karen Benjamin [noted soprano] & Alan Chapman [host KUSC-FM, pre-concert lecturer at LA Phil]

Year after year you give us a gift of the best concert in town. Impeccable Dvorak!

—

Dennis Bade

[LA

Phil program writer, musicologist]

What a magnificent concert last night at Disney Hall; truly remarkable. You are without doubt one of the most gifted musicians I have ever encountered in my life. And one of the few conductors in the world who understands how to elicit character from the musicians’ performance. In short, I was blown away.

— Derek Gleeson [conductor & music director of Dublin Philharmonic]

“After this concert one wants to live again”– Let this gratitude enter the flow of gratitude coming to you from myriad of hearts, and sustain you in continuity of the noble task you and Eduard have taken upon yourself. Congratulations to you and your extraordinary musicians on the success of the festival. Listening Mahler I received answers to my questions. How right Eduard is: music helps to pray without words. Impressions overcame all expectations.

— Galina Stolina, Journalist, Almanac Panorama

It was so magical and fantastic. The energy and passion was tremendous. We gave many standing ovations to the musicians. Thank you so much,

— MaryJane Mitchell

I am on the Expo Line back home after an evening of amazing music at the Walt Disney Concert. I am enamored by iPalpiti. Thank you for the opportunity of this once-a-year experience.

— Nora O’Connor

Once more we want to tell you how amazed and grateful we are each time and each time more when we come to the Grand Finale of all your talented musicians. What a standing ovation… and they deserved it all! Thank you for giving so much to this world!

—

Ulrika & Douglas

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to see and hear the great iPalpiti Orchestra perform. The maestro was truly mesmerizing not only for us but for the rows upon rows of his enthralled audience who were standing, waving and cheering so deafeningly. Again, thank you so much.

—

George, Clark and Katya

You have to check out this [iPalpiti] concert. I have been there 3 years in the row and it is by far the best classical music I have ever heard.

— Goldstar Audience

Our favorite excerpt “reviews” from young audiences

7th graders from Berendo Middle School:

Dear Maestro Schmieder, …You conducted iPalpiti beautifully. The music that iPalpiti played was not only wonderful but entertaining as well. I think you kept the group on key and in unison… —

Matthew Ramos

Dear iPalpiti Orchestra and Maestro Schmieder, …I had a great time and would like to go anytime again. It sounded really great how you put all your energy into playing the instruments. It sounded actually a lot like a rock concert. It sounded like that, since all the musicians played the instruments really fast. In my opinion the only difference was that it was more classical. It was really amazing of how you could hear the music loud without any speakers…. I got used to liking this type of music which is classical. —

Juan Augusto

Dear Conductor Schmieder, When I first went in I thought it was going to be really boring, but it was the complete opposite… It was very nice music. It was different kind of listening to the music, because I do not hear that kind of music at home. My friend next to me also liked it as much as I liked it. … It was a really fun experience to hear music that I don’t listen to at home. Thank you for letting us students listen to this beautiful music. — Francisco

Avalos

From Youth-at-Risk:

Dear orchestra iPalpiti, I, Shetara Marie Sheard, greatly appreciate the tickets that you donated to my placement. I made my own dress especially for this evening. I have much respect for the people who are willing to help children in need. I highly appreciate this evening generosity and can’t wait to hear this wondrous opportunity.

Allowing Youth-at-Risk to experience the “Arts” is a great thing. Your giving makes a difference. The group learned to appreciate classical music and were speechless. Thank you for sharing your beautiful music.

— Kimberly McKinney, Deputy Probation Officer

Dear Orchestra,

…we really don’t get these opportunities but once in a life time, your generosity has uplifted and changed my life in such a genuine way. Thank you, I will remember this night always. — Ashley

Crawford

Dear Orchestra,

Thank you for the tickets and giving us the opportunity to see the world. For most of us aren’t that fortunate but your consideration and kindness have given us a chance. THANK YOU! — Lucy

Malveaux

From the Rescue Mission:

… it was a phenomenal performance, thank you so much and G-d bless. …it was one of a kind night …being a musician at the mission I was so happy and astounded at the level of the performance …thank you for the fabulous and inspiring time…words are not sufficient to express our gratitude.

— Rescue Mission

[an emergency shelter for homeless families with children – a room for 40 with sleeping cots]