2024 iPalpiti Brochure

YEHUDI MENUHIN

1916-1999

Musician and Visionary

Dear Friends and Music Lovers:

We are delighted to welcome you to our 27th annual festival, and the continuation of our mission of love, humanity, and peace through great classical music. Our mission resonates more than ever in these troubled times.

This year, on July 20, 24 gifted musicians from 18 countries arrived for a week’s residence in Beverly Hills. In the last quarter century, iPalpiti has connected over 400 musicians from 57 countries. Deep ties have been forged, spanning the nations, and new festivals and celebrations around the world have been born, spreading the spirit of iPalpiti across the globe. With your support, iPalpiti has built a network of lifetime associations that transcend the conflicts of our times.

The musicians of iPalpiti are united in their hope of bringing beauty into your lives. Maestro Schmieder wishes more than ever that we all be blessed by the touch of a higher harmony.

Carrying forward the theme “On Wings of Peace,” iPalpiti will present the US premiere of the Freedom Quartet, composed by the Finnish cellist and iPalpiti alumnus Jaani Helander and, in orchestral concert, Maestro invokes the profound Kaddish prayer, which conveys thanksgiving, praise, and a longing for universal peace, even in the face of loss and grief.

We look forward to seeing you once again this year. As always, you will be inspired and uplifted.

Jonathan Steinberg iPalpiti Chairman Emeritus

iPalpiti ORCHESTRA

The acclaimed “United Nations of Classical Music”

July

Beverly Hills • Los Angeles • Pasadena

From la Reine Fabiola, Queen of Belgium

“Her Majesty strongly supports the aim of the iPalpiti Artists International and especially the purpose of creating a spiritual contact with the audience. Her Majesty really hopes that the classical music played by these young musicians will bring together different cultures and promote peace and unity”

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

821 Kenneth Hahn Hall Of Administration, Los Angeles, CA 90012 PHONE: 213-974-3333 | FAX: 213-625-7360

LINDSEY P. HORVATH SUPERVISOR, THIRD DISTRICT

July 27, 2024

iPalpiti Artists International

Mail: P.O.Box 462117

Los Angeles, CA 90046-9998

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to iPalpiti 27th Annual Festival. This week, we enjoy performances from 23 award-winning classical musicians from around the world in Beverly Hills and the historic Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena

Since 1997, the iPalpiti Artists International has helped discover and support postconservatory musicians whose extraordinary talents were destined to make them the leading classical musicians of their generation. As a convener of musicians from around the world, the organization has grown an international network of classical artists, which has fostered strong global connections throughout the last few decades. By uniting international musicians, iPalpiti is fostering greater cultural exchanges and understanding through the universal language of music. In addition to this critical work, iPalpiti has invested in future generations through its Mentor and Student Coalition for the Arts for 5-12th graders to nurture artistic interests and build personal confidence.

Congratulations to iPalpiti Artists International and the exceptionally gifted musicians for an outstanding festival. You should be proud of the of the incredible work you have done to bring together artistic talent across borders for audiences across the world to enjoy

My sincerest thanks and congratulations,

Lindsey P. Horvath

Los Angeles County Supervisor Third District

EAST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

7555 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 1 Van Nuys, CA 91405

WEST VALLEY/

WEST/ METRO LA DISTRICT OFFICE 1645 Corinth Avenue, Suite102 Los Angeles, CA 90025

12:00pm Rotary Club of Beverly Hills Meets iPalpiti Rotary Club, Beverly Hills Presents

Ermitage

8:00pm Petit Soirée Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

DOUBLE FEATURE iPalpiti Soloists

6:30pm US Premiere Freedom Quartet

8:00pm Cello Quintet | Dedication Greystone Mansion

7:30pm iPalpiti Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates | Eduard Schmieder, conductor Ambassador Auditorium

“Exhilaration, thrills and awe conquer audiences faced with the irrepressible virtuosity and musical achievement of emerging young performers. These are the stock in trade of Young [iPalpiti] Artists International.”

—Daniel Cariaga, LA Times, 2000 Artists and programs are subject to change without notice.

“Los Angeles County is honored indeed to host [iPalpiti events]… Please join me in welcoming iPalpiti Artists International and savoring their contribution to the artistic life of our community.”

–Hon. Zev Yaroslavsky, Supervisor, Los Angeles County, 1994-2014

Music is a chain reaction that reaches down through the generations. Musicians are its links. It is wonderful to know that young musicians have a hand held out to them that they, in their turn, will reach out. Bravo iPalpiti Artists International.

The international press is unanimous in writing about iPalpiti and its artists. A leitmotif resonates through the distances year after year:

“…For one evening in July, the iPalpiti Orchestra, the flagship of the region’s Festival of International Laureates, holds its annual Grand Finale concert in Walt Disney Concert Hall, and it has become one of the highlights - in some years, the highlight - of the summer here.”

— Richards Ginell, American Record Guide (2015)

“Eduard Schmieder’s art is all about communicating energy through glorious sound.”

— Rick Schultz, Los Angeles Times, July 2014

“The international ensemble’s playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, led by conductor Eduard Schmieder, proves to be world-class…sensational… This was an invigorating world-class performance by young players with technique to burn and a palpable desire to live every note.” – Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times (2013)

“… [led] by conductor Eduard Schmieder with passion, intelligence, refinement and imagination, iPalpiti demonstrated an almost uncanny unanimity of sound and vibrato, a quality repeated again and again throughout the evening... It was especially remarkable to hear such a wide variety of individual tones emerge and then slip back into those fabulous unisons…” — Bill McLaughlin, The Strad (June 2009). Review on the Carnegie Zankel Hall concert of March 5, 2009

“…[under Mr. Schmieder’s direction] iPalpiti sprang to life as a single, singing voice. It was the natural, “vocal” quality that stayed with me long after the final notes of the concert were sounded… “

— John Ardoin, Music Critic, Dallas Morning News

“… an astounding demonstration of seamless and beauteous string playing… memorable, luminous, deeply moving performance…”

— Daniel Cariaga, Los Angeles Times (2000)

“…the ensemble was particularly noteworthy for its unity of purpose and blend. It was as if the musicians’ hearts were beating to the same buoyant rhythm…lustrous, polished tone and graceful phrasing.”

— Vivien Schweitzer, New York Times (2007)

“..rich sonorities [of iPalpiti ] audibly took the audience’s breath away - especially whenever concertmaster Peter Rainer, whose technically immaculate tone throughout the night was sweet and thrilling, had a few bars to play - showed that iPalpiti had charms to soothe a hall well filled with music lovers of all ages.” —STRINGS Magazine (2005)

“Eduard Schmieder transforms the young professional players of his iPalpiti orchestra into tomorrow’s first-rank musicians.”

— The Strad Magazine (2004)

“iPalpiti played with striking unity and spirit and had an infectious way of making music...”

— The Strad Magazine (1999)

“[iPalpiti ] performance can be called righteously overwhelming…” — Noord Holland Dagblad (1996)

“When one hears these musicians play, one realizes there is a connection between the title and the musical outcome… when it comes to 24 very talented string players … and a conductor who leads them with great musicality, the result is naturally captivating and exciting.”

— Ora Binur, Ma’ariv Daily, Jerusalem (2006)

“…astonishing musical odyssey…elegant Maestro Eduard Schmieder at the helm, conducting this world-class group with a brilliant sense of balance, tension and phrasing.” — Beverly Hills Outlook (2004)

MONDAY, July 22 12:00 p.m.

Rotary Club of Beverly Hills Meets iPalpiti

Michael Davidman, Pianist/USA

Program as announced.

A tradition since the early years of the Festival, Rotarians welcome iPalpiti artists for musical performance and personal interactions, uniting both organizations international missions. iPalpiti is “dedicated to the artistic career advancement of exceptionally gifted young professional classical musicians and to the promotion of peace and understanding through music” and the Rotary “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”

iPalpiti has been festival-in-residence of the City of Beverly Hills since 1998

Thank you to the City of Beverly Hills for continuing support since 1998: Art & Culture Community Services Department: Patty Acuna, Paul Avalone, Matthew Brown, Sara Scrimshaw, Brandy Scott

Mayor: Lester Friedman • The City Council Members: Sharona R. Nazarian, John A. Mirisch, Craig A. Corman, Mary N. Wells

TUESDAY, July 23, 8:00 p.m.

Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

PETIT SOIRÉE

By Invitation Only

Program announced as performed.

2023: Trio Zadig with an audience fan, board members Lauren Dani, Miss CA Galaxy, and Stefan Ashkenazy, Petit’s owner, with Maestro Schmieder

At Petit Ermitage hotel, home of the Festival for many seasons, iPalpiti musicians enjoy the hospitality and artistic atmosphere of this unique landmark, give rooftop soiree & dine on chef’s selections.

CONCERTS

WEDNESDAY, July 24, DOUBLE FEATURE

Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills

iPalpiti Soloists

6:30 p.m.

Jaani Helander (1989–)

Freedom Quartet , Op. 5 (2023) US Premiere 20’

Andante-Allegro

Triste

Molto Allegro

Yevgenia Pikovsky, Alex Snytkin/violins

Dmitry Ratush/viola Jaani Helander/cello

AMBASSADOR’ SOLOISTS PREVIEW:

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

Mario Castelnuovo -Tedesco (1895-1968)

Antonín Dvorák (1841-1904)

Ballade N 1 in G Minor, Op.23

Michael Davidman, pianist (USA)

Figaro from “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Ritmo di Tango (arr. Heifetz)

Davide De Ascaniis, violinist (Italy)

Rondo in G minor, Op.95

Vilém Vlcˇek, cellist (Czechia)

7:30 p.m.

RECEPTION on the terrace

8:00 p.m.

Scherzo. Presto – Trio. Andante sostenuto

Liza Kerob, Takamori Arai/violins

Francisco Vila, Yoni Draiblate/celli

Schubert’s final chamber work, Quintet represents a high point in the entire chamber repertoire.

This performance is dedicated to Lynn Harrell (1944-2020), ’s Artistic Advisor 1998-2020.

Music is a chain reaction that reaches down through generations. Musicians are its links. It is wonderful to know that young musicians have a hand held out to them that they, in their turn, will reach out. Bravo iPalpiti Artists International!

I will always be grateful to Maestro Schmieder who offered me the opportunity to be part of his chamber orchestra “iPalpiti” in the early 1990s and learn so much!

I met amazing musicians with whom I developed very strong friendships. It was so motivating to share this experience with them, each summer for many years...

I wish a long life to iPalpiti, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you to Laura and Dr. Schmieder for making this dream come true. Love and big hug, —Liza Kerob

Concertmaster of the Monte Carlo Philarmonic orchestra. Violinist, Trio Goldberg.

Franz Schubert String “Cello” Quintet in C major, D. 956, Op. posth. 163 (1828) 54’

Lynn Harrell & Eduard Schmieder (1986, both newly arrived professors at USC)

THURSDAY, July 25, 6:00 p.m.

Meet the Artists Gala | Private Mansion, Bel Air

An annual social event to honor iPalpiti musicians

“Los Angeles County is honored indeed to host iPalpiti events… Please join me in welcoming iPalpiti Artists International and savoring their contributions to the artistic life of our community.”

Hon. Zev Yaroslavsky, Supervisor, Los Angeles County 1994-2014

The remembrences of the AMAZING time we spent in last month are with me everyday. You can’t even imagine how many things I learned. I miss iPalpiti so badly!!! You gave me wonderful opportunity and chance, I will never forget that. Contact with Maestro enriched me enormously and gave me new power and understanding for music. I send greetings and words of biggest respect for You and Maestro,

Robert Kowalski (iPalpiti member 2005 -2015)

Violnist, Szymanowski Quartet.

Former: First Concertmaster, Radio Orchestra in Lugano, Switzerland

Patrons meet iPalpiti artists in person

Wine & Dine Performance

Each Festival, LA County honors iPalpiti musicians by issuing beautiful and meaningful commendations to each artist.

SATURDAY, July 27, 7:30 p.m.

Ambassador Auditorium

iPalpiti Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates

Eduard Schmieder, conductor

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Joaquín Turina Pérez (1882-1949)

Mark Kopytman (1929-2011)

Kareem Roustom

String Symphony N 10 in B-minor 8 min

Rapsodia Sinfonica, Op.66 10 min

Michael Davidman, piano soloist (USA)

Kaddish (1964, 1982 orchestral version) 15 min

Vilém Vlcˇek, cello soloist (Czehia)

Three Klezmer Dances (2008) 12min Davide De Ascaniis, violin soloist (Italy)

Premiered by iPalpiti in 2011. Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times wrote “...Schmieder gave the U.S. premiere of Kareem Roustom’s Three Klezmer Dances for violin, tambourine and strings… No one knows where the Middle East is headed. But here was hope. A composer from Syria has made lovingly fanciful arrangements of Jewish music. The violin soloist, Daniel Turcina -- stepping out from an orchestra made up of Jews, Christians and Muslims from 19 countries -- is Slovakian. He played with improvisatory sounding fire and soul.”

INTERMISSION

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Death and the Maiden, D 810 (1824) (arranged for string orchestra by Gustav Mahler) 46 min

Allegro Andante Scherzo

Presto

Read Maestro’s Letter to the Audience (next page) about iPalpiti and the program.

on July 27.

Dear Friends,

Music is a gift that enables us to muse without words. Music must always be our safe space; when that is violated it strikes at the very core of who we are.

“Music is my life and my life is music” — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The name of the orchestral ensemble, iPalpiti – THE HEARTBEATS – is a spiritual child of my belief in music as a reflection of the psyche and the soul, as a manifestation of the divine. Genuine music comes from within; it comes from the heart. I perceive the art of music-making as a poetic idiom, a fascinating inspiration, and a cultural component to express a broader spectrum of emotional, intellectual, and philosophical experience.

I impart these principles in my interaction with iPalpiti.

An ancient Jewish work of mystical lore identifies three dimensions of human experience that the Divine reveals in the world: space, time, and soul. All these elements are essential to music.

True music contains multiple levels of meaning, a potential of a greater dimension. A composer is a vessel who absorbs and translates the highest impulses into music, often with a more complex meaning than at first appearance. Nowadays, we are admonished repeatedly to find a fixed and certain meaning in a work of art. And yet, all interpretation is relative, no matter how impartial the artist may try to be. There is no art in absolute exactness; it survives poorly in a changing world.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the minds, flight to the imagination, and life to everything” — Plato

“Imagination is greater than knowledge because knowledge is limited…” — Albert Einstein

If a “correct” interpretation were to be found, only one performer and no critics would be needed. The opportunity to experience a new view of a familiar work should be cause for celebration. At a time when the spiritual dimension of the creation and recreation of music is evaporating, it is our intention to replenish souls with loving energy, beliefs, and ideas by infusing music with positive spirit.

“To love alone can music ever yield, and love is melody” — A.S. Pushkin

We have selected the compositions for tonight’s program in the hope of inspiring you, the listener, to explore the interconnections among the pieces as you discover the immeasurable potential of these beautiful works of art.

“Beauty in music is not a heap of effects, but simplicity and naturalness” — P.I. Tchaikovsky

THIS CONCERT IS DEDICATED TO WORLD PEACE.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 36.26

JACOB FELIX MENDELSSOHN: STRING SYMPHONY NO. 10 IN B MINOR (1823)

Mendelssohn’s career as a composer was an influential bridge between the great age of the Baroque and the Classical periods into the Romantic era. The work on this program precedes the years of composer’s great fame. Completed by a 14-year-old genius, it was influenced by the string symphonies of Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach, the second-eldest son of J.S. Bach, and the slow introduction is reminiscent of Haydn. The dramatic dash that follows, however, is pure Mendelssohn.

JOAQUÍN TURINA PÉREZ: RAPSODIA SINFÓNICA LA ORACIÓN DEL TORERO (1931)

Turina was one of the key figures in the establishment of a “new wave” genre in 20th century Spanish romantic music, based on Spanish folk music heritage. The RAPSODIA SINFÓNICA is a prismatic celebration of the musical ambience of Seville, the city of Turina’s birth, one which left an indelible impression on him. LA ORACIÓN DEL TORRERO (the Bull-fighter’s Prayer) is a genre piece that traces the thoughts of the torero as he prepares to enter the ring to face the inevitable Moment of Truth.

MARK KOPYTMAN: KADDISH (1982)

One of Israel’s foremost composers, Kopytman’s style is characterized by powerful dramatic gestures, pure melodic lines, inspired by Jewish folk traditions. “Kaddish” for cello and strings was written on occasion of opening of the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem in 1982. Kaddish is a profound prayer, which conveys thanksgiving, praise, and a longing for universal peace, even in the face of loss and grief. The work’s touching narrative tone is very personalized Jewish in spirit. Even the titles of his works – “Kaddish”, “Lamentation”, “Memory”, “Beyond All This” – can be seen as a key to the innermost essence of his music, of its connection with destiny and the spiritual heritage of Jewish people. I was privileged to conduct this composition with Israel Camerata in Jerusalem.

WE DEDICATE THIS PERFORMANCE OF “KADDISH” TO THE MEMORY OF VICTIMS OF OCTOBER 7TH.

KAREEM ROUSTOM: THREE KLEZMER DANCES (2008) FOR VIOLIN, TAMBOURINE & STRINGS

Syrian-American Kareem Roustom is a musically bilingual composer steeped in the musical traditions of the Arab Near East and trained in Western music. He has collaborated with a wide variety of artists ranging from the Philadelphia Orchestra to Shakira, in television, the concert hall and album projects.

From the Composer: This arrangement was originally written for a concert series with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Inspired by violinist Daniel Turcina [a student of Eduard Schmieder], whose playing has often impressed me, and on commission from the Slovakian Government on the occasion of celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday, the original arrangement was re-worked to feature a prominent solo violin, with added transitional materials. However, the melodies on which the arrangement is based were left intact.

SCHUBERT: QUARTET D. 810 DEATH AND THE MAIDEN (1824)*

Schubert was a poet of unfulfillable longing, of human vulnerability, of the excruciating sweetness of the yearning to be at peace. He said,

I feel myself to be the most unfortunate, the most miserable being in the world. Think of a man whose health will never be right again, and who from despair over the fact makes it worse instead of better, think of a man, I say, whose splendid hopes have come to naught, to whom

the happiness of love and friendship offers nothing but acutest pain, whose enthusiasm (at least, the inspiring kind) for the Beautiful threatens to disappear, and ask yourself whether he isn’t a miserable, unfortunate fellow. My peace is gone, my heart is heavy. I find it never, nevermore…so might I sing every day, since each night when I go to sleep, I hope never again to wake, and each morning merely reminds me of the misery of yesterday.

This string quartet, which he completed at the age of 27, is one of Schubert’s most tragic works. The entire composition is suffused with an inner sense of despondency, largely for autobiographical reasons. As his correspondence reveals, the composer was already gravely ill, confronted by a near death. Thoughts of his own mortality lie behind the poetic subject itself: he composed the lied [song] “Death and the Maiden” in 1817 on the poem by the German poet Matthias Claudius, the theme of which is quoted explicitly only in the seconf movement of the quartet, but it gives the title to the entire composition. The Maiden implores Death to pass her by, whilst Death tries to persuade her to sleep in his arms.

“All the world’s a stage,/And all the men and women merely players;/They have their exits and their entrances;/And one man in his time plays many parts,” – William Shakespeare

*CONDUCTOR’S NOTE: SCHUBERT-MAHLER CONNECTION

Given the current obsession with “authentic” performance practice, you might be surprised at our equanimity in programming a masterwork of a great composer arranged by another composer. “Death and the Maiden,” written by Schubert for string quartet, was later arranged for string orchestra by composer and conductor Gustav Mahler with the purpose of popularizing the work by making it familiar to a larger audience, with the conviction that in an “enriched” and enlarged sonority, its multiple expressive possibilities would acquire a new dimension. To understand our purpose, one must look at these re-creations in the light of our artistic mission to act as a “purveyor” of music. As creative artists, being faithful to the composer’s intentions, we believe that our duty to the music is far from delivering an exact reproduction of the notes in the printed score.

The size of the halls in which music was performed increased inordinately during the 19th and 20th centuries. Listeners nowadays prefer not to hear a string quartet in one of the larger concert halls. Our decision to perform this quartet in the orchestral version is an attempt to compensate for the changes in performing conditions, and to bring immortal music not only to more exclusive, but to wider audiences as well.

Today’s attempts at “period” performances of classical works might seem merely symptomatic of a particular stage in musical history. The belief that there is only one historically correct way of performing the music of any period is certainly a mistaken one. After all, music only exists through the perception of the listener, at the moment it is heard. It must therefore always be tied to the present and cannot be reproduced in the same way time after time. Even if we use period instruments and perform in the very rooms whose acoustics the composers had in mind, we are still faced with the question once asked by Wilhelm Furtwängler, “Can we be sure that people today hear in the same way as people did two hundred years ago?” We should not sacrifice music on the altar of style.

Toward the end of the Romantic period, it was common practice to seek out forms of musical entertainment that seem strange to a modern listener. There existed arrangements of every conceivable kind, often significant reductions of massive orchestral scoring. The opposite has happened since the time of Hans von Bülow [German virtuoso pianist and composer of the Romantic Era, one of the most famous conductors of the 19th century]; chamber music has been “enlarged” so it could be performed in large concert halls.

AT THE TIME WHEN THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF THE CREATION AND RE-CREATION OF MUSIC IS EVAPORATING, IT IS OUR INTENTION TO REPLENISH PEOPLE’S SOULS WITH LOVING ENERGY, BELIEFS, AND IDEAS, BY INFUSING MUSIC WITH POSITIVE EMOTIONAL ENERGY.

Follow us, Dear Listener. Talent is a mission and must be repaid to the Creator through people. The most beautiful things in the world can only be felt with the heart.

“It is only with the heart one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible for the eye.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

We are in accord with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who said, “it is the union of hearts which constitutes their felicity.”

These inspired musicians from various countries, the members of iPalpiti, are united in their hope of bringing beauty into your life through celestial sound, vital rhythm, and eternal emotional energy. May we all be blessed by the touch of higher harmony!

And long will people fondly call to mind my story About the kindly feelings which my lyre awoke That in my cruel age, I sang of Freedom’s glory And mercy for the fallen spoke.

— From a poem by Alexander

Pushkin

Eduard Schmieder

Founder of iPalpiti

Laura H. Carnell Professor of Violin Artistic Director for Strings, Temple University, Philadelphia

MEET THE ARTISTS

Eduard Schmieder music director & conductor

“… a serious and resourceful podium personality.”

— Daniel Cariaga, Los Angeles Times

“… He elicits great dynamic from the orchestra…altogether, all the participants honor and wait anxiously for the conductor’s wishes… predominant excitement brought out by Schmieder.”

— Eberhard Iro, Review on Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Landshuter Rathausprunksaal

“… The virtues of Mr. Schmieder as a sensitive and true musician inspired the players to create a very deep and emotional interpretation which kind of magnetized all its sensual harmonies and well phrased performance. This was a concert which could be titled as “pearls of music” from any point.”

– Ora Binur, Ma’ariv Jerusalem Daily

“… Eduard Schmieder, the founder of the admirable iPalpiti, believes that music remains a functional universal language… Schmieder is an authoritative conductor.

A tall and serious Russian of the old school, he goes in for intense expression and dug-in string sonorities…”

— Los Angeles Times, Mark Swed, Chief Music Critic (2010)

Born and educated in Soviet Union, Eduard Schmieder has been characterized as an “extraordinary musician of the late 20th century” (Henry Roth, 1997). As artist and teacher, Schmieder seeks to preserve and enhance the great traditions of American and European art. He maintains a concert schedule as conductor and violinist and teaches an internationally selected class of students.

Schmieder has performed in major concert halls worldwide including Cite de la Musique in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, Crown Hall in Jerusalem, Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and has collaborated with such musicians as Yehudi Menuhin, Ida Haendel, Martha Argerich, Brooks Smith, Lynn Harrell, Jon Kimura-Parker, Erick Friedman, Julius Berger, Steven Isserlis, and many others.

In 1996, Eduard Schmieder performed a recital in Genoa on Paganini’s famous Guarneri del Gesu “Il Cannone” violin which is only given for the performances to exceptional virtuoso violinists.

One of the most highly regarded violin pedagogues of his generation, Eduard Schmieder is the L. H. Carnell Professor and Artistic Director for Strings at Temple University in Philadelphia and the recipient of the Great Teacher Award (2020). Prior to his appointment at Temple University, he held the Distinguished Algur H. Meadows Chair of Violin and Chamber Music in the Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas (1990-2006), and a tenured Professor of the Violin at the University of Southern California, the position formerly held by Jascha Heifetz. Students of Professor Schmieder are winners of top prizes at the prestigious international competitions, have established careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and hold leading positions in orchestras in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Together with Wynton Marsalis he received American Cultural Specialist Award from United States Information Agency (1999), and throughout the years, numerous awards for his accomplishments as a Musician and Teacher and recognition for his invaluable contributions to culture. In 2016 he was awarded Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Kazakh National University of Arts.

Schmieder has taught master classes in virtually every foremost conservatory in the world, including Mozarteum Summer Academie Salzburg for 15 years, and serves as a jury member at important international violin competitions. He has been performing, teaching, and conducting at international music festivals in Canada, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, and other countries. In the United States he has worked in music festivals at Aspen, Interlochen, Musicorda, Idyllwild, and Summit in New York.

With the support of Lord Yehudi Menuhin, he founded iPalpiti Artists International with a mission help talented young artists in advancement of their careers; through annual iPalpiti festival in California and other programs, to this day, iPalpiti has featured and supported over 400 musicians from 57 countries. Professor Schmieder also serves as advisory to numerous artistic projects and is also an Artistic Advisor to the Foundation “Remember Enescu” in Romania and Honorary Chairman of the European Academy of Fine Arts.

He has been written about in books by Henry Roth “Violin Virtuosos: From Paganini to 21st Century” and Margaret Campbell “The Great Violinists,” as well as the three featured articles in THE STRAD magazine. www.EduardSchmieder.com

(1980)

iPalpiti Festival 2024

Eduard Schmieder, conductor

Violins

Peter Rainer, concertmaster / Germany

Takamori Arai / Japan

Davide de Ascaniis / Italy

Samuel Allan-Chapkovski / Ireland

Sophia Delling / Sweden

Liza Kerob / France-Monaco

Olivia Jeongah Kim / Korea

Violas

Dmitri Ratush / Israel

Joseph Kauffman / USA

Daniel Miles / USA

Zi Wang/ / China

Bass

Igor Kogan / Israel-USA

Taisiya Losmakova / Belarus

Akhmed Mamedov / Turkmenistan-USA

Yevgenia Pikovsky / Israel

Alex Snytkin / Lithuania-USA

Yuan Tian / China

Diego Zapata / Venezuela

Celli

Yoni Draiblate / Israel-USA

Jaani Helander / Finland

Francisco Vila / Ecuador

Vilém Vlcˇek / Czech Republic

Piano

Michael Davidman / USA

Percussion

Misaq Eschaghi / Iran-USA

iPalpiti is a unique festival, giving stage to its outstanding participants both in orchestral ensemble setting and chamber music.

The consolidation and unity of the young players, both musically and personally, creates an incomparable rehearsal atmosphere which produces unforgettable concerts.

– Tibi Cziger/Clarinet (Israel) 2009

iPalpiti 2019, Dana Ross Photography

Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates

Acclaimed by the press for its “beauteous string playing,” “lustrous, polished tone,” and “vocal quality,” iPalpiti (ee-PAHL-pit-ee is Italian for “heartbeats”) is a consortium of prize-winning young professional musicians from around the globe, where each member is considered a soloist. “Eduard Schmieder, the founder of the admirable iPalpiti, is a serious and resourceful podium personality...he goes in for intense expression and dug-in string sonorities…” — Los Angeles Times

Under his direction, iPalpiti has performed to sold-out audiences in prestigious venues such as Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Mozarteum Grosse Hall (Salzburg), Nikkei Hall (Tokyo), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), YMCA (Jerusalem), Carnegie Zankel Hall (New York), and has been invited as ensemble-in-residence at festivals in Slovenia, Israel, Carinthia, Belgium, and Italy, as well as the Martha Argerich Festival in Beppu, Japan. Founded by Eduard Schmieder in 1991, iPalpiti has since grown to an ensemble of international recognition, establishing a summer residency in Beverly Hills, California in 1999.

iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates in Los Angeles — presented annually since 1998 — is one of the nation’s significant music festivals and the subject of international accolades. The prestigious STRAD magazine devoted numerous enthusiastic features and reviews, and the Los Angeles Times acclaimed the Festival’s “takeyour-breath-away demonstrations of musicianship and technique,” where artists are encouraged to find their “own voice,” performing as iPalpiti Soloists in solo and chamber ensemble concerts. Referred to as a “Musical Peace Corps,” iPalpiti has created an international cultural network of hundreds of classical artists, forging lifetime associations and friendships that transcend the conflicts of our time.

The orchestra’s players (ages 19 - 32) are all winners of prestigious international awards and represent countries worldwide. iPalpiti alumni have established solo and chamber ensemble careers and have taken up leading positions in major international orchestras such as the Chicago, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Monte Carlo, Bavarian State and Munich Symphonies, London, Berlin and Israel Philharmonics, Dresden Staatskapelle, etc. Several have exclusive recordings with labels like Decca, Telarc, and Supraphon records, and are considered among the premier musicians of their generation.

iPalpiti’s performances have been acclaimed by critics throughout the world. In 1996 Noord Holland Dagblad proclaimed “[iPalpiti’s] performance can be called righteously overwhelming.” John Ardoin of the Dallas Morning News raved “iPalpiti sprang to life as a single, singing voice. It was the natural, ‘vocal’ quality that stayed with me long after the final notes of the concert were sounded,” while the Los Angeles Times hailed the group’s performances as “an astounding demonstration of seamless and beauteous string playing…memorable, luminous, deeply moving performance” (Daniel Cariaga, 2000) and as a “cool display of virtuosity…unified to an often startling degree” (2006). The New York Times noted that “…ensemble was particularly noteworthy for its unity of purpose and blend. It was as if the musicians’ hearts were beating to the same buoyant rhythm… lustrous, polished tone and graceful phrasing.” (2007)

iPalpiti has produced 25 CDs released on TELOS, YAI/iPalpiti and BCM+D Records. Performances are broadcast by Classic Arts Showcase nationally to over 62 million viewers on PBS/Art Channel and other public television channels, in Philadelphia on WRTI, New York on WQXR-FM.

iPalpiti is represented worldwide by iPalpiti Artists International. www.ipalpiti.org

“The orchestra with such musicians is notable for the richness of colors; it is a great pleasure to listen to range of expression... The Festival provides [participating] young musicians with unique possibilities for the creative growth and artistic improvement. In my opinion, implementation of this outstanding international forum requires not only very through organization but also ultimate artistry... Thank you!!!”

– Mark Kopytman, composer, Israel

PETER RAINER / GERMANY Concertmaster, Violinist

Peter has been iPalpiti’s Concertmaster since 1994. In his native Germany, he is a concertmaster and a founder of the Kammerakademie Potsdam, and leads an active career as a chamber musician, soloist, and the teacher. Since 2007, Peter has been on the faculty of the “Universität der Künste” (University of the Arts) in Berlin and of the “Stern Institute” for young talented students. In 2018 Peter has been appointed as the Head of the string department of “Musikgymnasium Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach at the Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik” in Berlin, a school for highly talented musical kids in Berlin. He was the founder and leader of the Persius Ensemble, focusing mainly on repertoire written for the classical nonet, and has released three CDs; a CD with nonets by Spohr, Clementi and Mozart was chosen by Berlin-Brandenburg Radio (RBB) as one of the best releases of 2007. He has been a member of the Max Brod piano trio from 2012 -2017. In 2016, the trio released a CD of compositions by Robert Kahn, a wonderful discovery of romantic music in style of Johannes Brahms. Music-loving children know Peter through the many interactive concerts he developed for them in the past 20 years, such as Till Eulenspiegel, Ferdinand the Bull, The Horse on the Violin, to mention a few. For many seasons he has appeared at the “Festival International de Musique de Chambre en Charente” together with fellow iPalpitian cellist Jacob Shaw and continues to collaborate with iPalpiti alumni on international musical projects. Peter studied violin in Würzburg with Max Speermann and in the U.S. with Professor Eduard Schmieder at the Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas, Texas where he received his Artist Certificate in 1994 and his Master of Violin Performance degree in 1995. Upon his return to Germany, he was appointed first concertmaster of the Brandenburgische Philharmonie in Potsdam from 1996 to 2000. During the “corona crisis” he rediscovered string quartets by Johannes Matthias Sperger, an almost unknown composer today, who lived in the north of Germany at the same as Mozart and Haydn. The CD was released by the label JPC. Peter has worked as the assistant to Professor Schmieder at the Holland Music Sessions, at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas and at Temple University in Philadelphia. In 2005, he received a commendation from the City of Los Angeles for his 20 years of leadership of iPalpiti and his contributions to culture.

Peter Rainer with Maestro in 2005, with commendation on his 10 years as concertmaster of iPalpiti

MEET THE ARTISTS

SAMUEL ALLAN-CHAPKOVSKI / IRELAND Violinist

Born in Ireland, Samuel began his music education in Central Music School for Gifted Children of Moscow Conservatory, Russia with famous violinist Professor Victor Pikaizen and continued with masterclasses and festivals in Europe. In 2021 he was accepted into the international class of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University, Philadelphia, where he received his Bachelor’s and completed MM Performance in 2023.

Top prize winner at numerous competitions including Remember Enescu in Romania (2017), Young Talents of Performing Arts in New Jersey, USA (2019), and XI International Byalis Dvarionas Competition in Lithuania (2021), Samuel performed at international music festivals in Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Estonia. As a soloist with orchestras, he performed with Sinfonietta Vratsa in Bulgaria, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Burgos International Festival orchestra and others. Interested in intelligence technology, Samuel works remotely as a software developer for companies in Canada and Ireland and is working toward his bachelor’s in science in mathematics expected graduation in December 2024 at Indiana University. This is Samuel’s first season with iPalpiti.

TAKAMORI ARAI / JAPAN

Violinist

Winner of numerous prizes in international and national competitions, Takamori has been performing in concerts and music festivals in Japan and Europe. In May 2022 he gave a debut solo performance at Weill Carnegie Hall in New York as a First Prize winner of IBLA Grand Award Japan international violin competition, with comments “…his tone production reminds the sound of the great vinyl records which are from violinists in the last century such as Oistrakh.”

A graduate of The Tokyo University of Arts with the top score and the Acanthus Music Prize for the outstanding academic achievements, Takamori was selected numerous times as a soloist with the university symphony orchestras, and played under baton of such conductors as Professors Kazuki Sawa, Douglas Bostock, and Ken Takaseki. In 2014 he was selected as a soloist of the Musical Activity Supporting System by YAMAHA Music Foundation and performed throughout Europe. As participant in international music festivals he performed at Mozarteum Salzburg, IBLA Sicily, and in iPalpiti festival of international laureates in Los Angeles. During his college years he studied with professors Takashi Shimizu, Sungsic Yang, Eszter Perenyi, and Pierre Amoyal. He studied with Professor Eduard Schmieder in his international class Artist Diploma program at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University in Philadelphia. At present, he is an associate violinist at Musashino University of Music in Tokyo. This is his fourth season with iPalpiti.

DAVIDE DE ASCANIIS / ITALY Violinist

FEATURED SOLOIST IN KLEZMER DANCES BY SYRIAN COMPOSER KAREEM ROUSTOM

Winner of the AGIMUS Prize in Rome, the Szeryng International Violin Competition in Mexico, and the Grand Prix at the LISMA Foundation in New York City, among other numerous awards, Davide has been concertizing extensively. He continues an intense concert activity as violin soloist (160 + concerts per year on the average) beside his mission to attract a younger audience with his shows “from Baroque to Rock” presenting original arrangements and compositions of different genres featuring two unique instruments: a carbon fiber violin and an electric violin, designed and made exclusively for him.

In the United States, de Ascaniis made his debut with the Gateway Orchestra in May 2014, with a review in Brooklyn Eagle: “His dazzling finger work, musicality, pizzicato and incredible cadenzas evoked the wizardry of Paganini.” Following performances in New York featured Davide as soloist with orchestras and in solo appearances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at the Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center. Davide performed in Taiwan at the Taipei Arena for an audience of 15,000 and played to great media acclaim in concert halls in Tokyo (Suntory Hall), Rome (Auditorium Parco della Musica, Palazzo del Quirinale), Venice (Teatro La Fenice), Milan (Teatro dal Verme), and across America. He also participated and performed in international music festivals including the Orford in Canada, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, the Bled in Slovenia, Nippon Foundation festival in Japan, Trans-Siberian Art Festival in Siberia, Festival Dino Ciani and the Bologna Festival in Italy, to name a few.

Davide remains one of the very few violinists in the world who performs the entire set of the 24 Paganini Caprices in a single recital.

Born in Italy in 1991 to a family of pianists, Davide’s first professional engagement was in 2000 in France, performing Bruch Violin Concerto with orchestra. After earning a Master’s Degree cum laude from the Conservatorio in Vicenza at the age of 16, he was awarded a Diploma at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, and continued his studies in New York with the eminent virtuoso violinist/composer Albert Markov. Recent headlining concerts were the sensational Italian premiere of Markov’s “Six Rhapsodies” for violin and orchestra, “Two Suites” for violin and piano, and “Solo Violin Sonata n.3,” which was dedicated to Davide. In February 2022 Davide was appointed violin professor at the Music Conservatory “da Palestrina” in Cagliari, Sardinia. Upcoming engagements are scheduled in USA, Europe, Russia, Japan, the Middle East and South America.

An iPalpiti artist since 2012, he performed in iPalpiti festivals at prestigious venues throughout Los Angeles, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Soka Performing Arts Center, Conrad Performing Arts Center, as well as touring Israel in 2017, performing at the Keshet Eilon Music Center, Tel Aviv Recanati Auditorium, YMCA Jerusalem, and other major cities.

“They take diversity and make harmony. If the world would only understand how important that is.”

— Ada Sands, Vice Chair

MEET THE ARTISTS

ARGHYA SOPHIA DELLING / SWEDEN Violinist

Born in July 2001 in Cuttack, India, Sofia was adopted to Sweden by German parents in 2002.

At two years of age, she already received her first piano lessons, starting violin lessons in 2004 at the Suzuki Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. She continued violin studies with Prof. Marika Fältskog, first concertmaster of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra (2011–2014) and at the Lübeck University of Music, with Prof. Elisabeth Weber (2015–2017).

In 2017, Sophia was admitted to the Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Gymnasium junior studies at the Hanns Eisler University of Music with Professor Peter Rainer, continuing to study with him at Berlin University of the Arts toward Bachelor’s degree in artistic training since 2022.

Sophia’s orchestral experience taken place in State Youth Orchestra Schleswig Holstein, European Youth Orchestra Summer Course, NDR Youth Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra (BJO) Germany, Side by Side Project with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle, Kirill Petrenko, moving into concertmaster position of the Junge Philharmonie Brandenburg and Junge Deutsche Philharmonie Autumn Project. Concert tours with NDR Youth Symphony Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra in 2017 took Sophia to India, Germany in Berlin Philharmonie, Cologne Philharmonic, Konzerthaus Berlin, and Canada, including solo appearance on Canadian national television; European tour in 2018: Italy, France, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Austria, and to South Africa in 2019: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town.

Winner of the regional, state, national competitions for violin solo, Sophia also took master classes with Professors Noach Bendix-Balgley, Elizabeth Wallfisch and, at Kronberg Academy. In 2022–2023 Sophia was engaged professionally as a Substitute in the Potsdam Kammerakademie and Malmö Symphony Orchestra. Sophia has been accepted into iPalpiti upon referral of her teacher, Peter Rainer, iPalpiti’s leader since 1994.

Dear Music lovers and iPalpiti family -

I will always cherish the amazing musical and personal experiences I have gathered in my many years of playing in iPalpiti! Even though I won’t be able to be there in person this summer, my spirit will always be there with you and I wish both the musicians on stage and the fantastic California audiences many unforgettable musical moments and memories! All the best,

—Kian Soltani

Deutsche Grammophon artist

“a soloist of the highest level among the new generation of cellists”

iPalpiti Artistic Advisor since 2024

MEET THE ARTISTS

LIZA KEROB / FRANCE-MONACO Violinist

DISTINUGUISHED ALUMNA

The French violinist, Liza Kerob, started playing the violin at the age of 5. After a unanimous 1st Prize for violin at the CNR in Tours, she was admitted to the Conservatoire National Superior de Musique in Paris where she obtained a 1st Prize in Chamber Music in 1991 and a 1st Prize at the in Violin in 1992.

Admitted that same year to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia in the class of Aaron Rosand, she graduated in 1996 with the Bachelor of Music degree; and, with Master of Music degree in 1998 at Juilliard School of Music in New York in the class of Glenn Dicterow.

She also perfected herself with renowned concert performers and teachers such as Eduard Schmieder, Hermann Krebbers, Erik Friedmann, Felix Galimir and Viktor Danchenko.

Winner of the numerous awards in international violin competitions, including Grand Prix at the Douai Competition in 1996; 1st Prize at the “Artists International” Competition in New York in 1998; 4th Prize at the “Pablo de Sarasate” Competition In Spain in 1999, she has also been a Laureate of the Natexis Foundation since 1995.

In May 2000, she was named “Supersolist” of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, under the direction of Marek Janowski. She frequently performs in recitals, at numerous festivals in Europe and Asia as well as at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Carnegie Hall in New York. As a soloist, she has been playing the concertos of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Lalo, Sibelius, Beethoven, Dvorak, Khachaturian, Mendelssohn, Bruch … with numerous orchestras in France and abroad. She is regularly invited to play as soloist with the Orchester National du Capitole de Toulouse, and also indulges in the joys of jazz and improvisation.

Liza Kerob shares the stage with renowned concert performers including Yakov Kreizberg, Vadim Repin, Roustem Saïtkoulov, Nicolas Bringuier, Gary Hoffman, Régis Pasquier, and many others.

In 2013, Liza Kerob, with her Trio Goldberg, made a recording of the famous Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach, in the transcription for string trio by Dmitry Sitkovetsky, followed by invitations from many festivals throughout France and in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, London and Monaco. A second album “De l’Ombre à la Lumière” appeared in 2018 with trios by Jean Cras, Mieczyslaw Weinberg, Gideon Klein, and Ernst von Dohnányi for the ARS Produktion label, acclaimed by the French and international press. In 2017, she recorded Berlioz’ “Rêverie et caprice” with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo under the direction of Kazuki Yamada, released in December 2017 under the OPMC Classics label distributed by Warner. She has also recorded Luis Bacalov’s Concerto Grosso under her direction, CD released in 2019.

Liza Kerob plays on a Battista Gabrielli violin dating from 1754, which is on loan to her from a private Swiss collection. She currently lives in Nice, France.

As one of the original members of iPalpiti, she performed in Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Festival Wallonie in Belgium, and in Los Angeles. During the 2001 festival dedicated to the centenary of the great violinist Jascha Heifetz, Liza was an unplanned soloist to substitute for violinist Erick Friedman, learning the solo part of the newly written ”Heifetziana” by Martin Sweidel on one day notice. In Last-Minute Soloist Shines, Richard Ginell of Los Angeles Times wrote, “She pulled it off beautifully, revealing a display piece that paraphrased the close of a Heifetz concert, a seamlessly segued fantasy drifting from last strains of the Beethoven Violin Concerto through a string of encores.”

MEET THE ARTISTS

OLIVIA JEONGAH KIM / KOREA

Violinist

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Jeongah Olivia Kim graduated from Seoul Arts High School and Seoul National University, earned her M.M. degree from New England Conservatory of Music, and doctoral program at the University of Southern California with full scholarship.

She is a winner of numerous competitions including the Seoul Symphony Orchestra Competition, Bucheon City Association Competition, Chosun Press Competition, Artist International Competition, and USC Concerto Competition. After her successful Carnegie Hall debut recital, she has performed extensively as a soloist with various orchestras including the KBS Symphony Orchestra, Korean Chamber Orchestra, Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, Prime Philharmonic Orchestra.

As an active international performer, she played solo with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Nürnberger Symphoniker, invited to the 2014 Beethoven Festival, and played Brahms’ Double Concerto with the virtuoso cellist Mischa Maisky. A member of the Korean Chamber Orchestra since 2007, she also has worked as a concurrent professor at Hanyang University and Ewha Women’s University.

In 2016 her album <love poem> was released on Universal music. Olivia plays the Antonius Stradivarius violin of 1708. From 2023 Olivia lives in Beverly Hills. This is her first season with iPalpiti.

TAISIYA LOSMAKOVA / BELARUS Violinist

Born in Brest, Belarus into a family of musicians, Taisiya started playing violin at the age of 4. In 2010 she entered the Republican Gymnasium-College at Belarusian State Academy of Music, the class of Professor Eduard Kuchinsky. During this time, Taisiya became the laureate of international and national competitions, and was a soloist with the Belarusian State Philharmonic performing the Bruch Violin Concerto No.1.

She also performed with chamber orchestra in Qatar, Germany and Belgium, and at Musica Mundi festival, playing alongside eminent musicians Maxim Vengerov and Misha Maisky.

From 2014 to 2019 Taisiya continued her education at Belarusian State Academy of Music and served as Principal Second Violin of the Chamber Orchestra of the Belarusian State Academy of Music.

In 2016, she won a position in the ensemble of soloists “Classic-Avantgarde” of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society under the direction of Vladimir Baidov. In 2019, Taisiya joined the Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, appointed as Concertmaster in 2020. She recorded solos for CDs of Belarusian artists and actively participated in the Tritformat Theater project as a solo violinist.

At the end of 2021, Taisiya moved to the USA to start the next chapter of her musical journey and was accepted into the international class of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University receiving her MM in Performance in 2024. While on the east coast, Taisiya gained extensive concert experience in various genres - classical, chamber, pop, rock, jazz and theater music – performing with esteemed ensembles and orchestras, and has given solo recitals. This is her second season with iPalpiti.

AKHMED MAMEDOV / TURKMENISTAN-USA Violinist-violist

Akhmed Mamedov began to play violin at the age of seven and graduated from the Sobinov Saratov State Conservatory in 2005, where he was an active performer of solo, chamber, and string quartet repertoire.

Among his awards are the Grand Prize in the Fourth Regional Goldenberg Violin Competition, a stipend from the “Russian Performing Art” foundation, a diploma at the 5th Demidov International Violin Competition, and an award from the VI “Golden Talent” music center. In 2006, Akhmed was selected to join “Youth Symphonic Orchestra of CIS Countries,” and toured the cities in Commonwealth Independent States, Europe, and the USA, under such conductors as Yury Simonov, M. Gorenshtein, and Vladimir Spivakov.

Akhmed received master’s degree in violin performance as a student of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University’ Boyer College in Philadelphia and continued his studies with Schmieder to receive an additional Master’s in viola performance.

He currently plays with Symphony in C and New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra.

With his fellow iPalpitians violinists-violists Joseph Kauffman and Alexander Kislitsyn, Akhmed is the founder of the Blue Line Quartet, in demand performing in Philadelphia and Tri-State communities. Akhmed has been a member of iPalpiti since 2013.

YEVGENIA PIKOVSKY / ISRAEL Violinist

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

Yevgenia Pikovsky, Principal of the Israel Philharmonic Second Violin section since 2014, is a winner of the 1993 Vittorio Gui and Vercelli Competitions, has appeared as soloist and chamber musician in concert halls in the U.S., Israel, Russia, Poland, Italy and France.

In 1993, she made her debut with the Israel Philharmonic under Maestro Zubin Metha.

In 1997, after studies in the U.S. (with Prof. Eduard Schmieder at the Meadows School of the Arts, SMU in Dallas), she returned to Israel, where she became a concertmaster of the Jerusalem Symphony and founded the Millennium Chamber Ensemble, with whom she has appeared in numerous live radio broadcasts and recorded two CDs.

A member of Quatro Plus, she has performed with this ensemble in the Jerusalem International Chamber Festival and the Israel Festival, as well as in the USA and Europe.

In June 2006, she won the audition for Concertmaster of the Bern Symphony in Switzerland, a position she held during the 2006-2008 seasons.

As soloist, she has appeared with the Israel Philharmonic in Israel and on tours under Maestro Zubin Mehta. She is on the faculty of Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where she also coaches strings of the student orchestra.

A member of the iPalpiti since its founding in Dallas at SMU in 1991, Yevgenia has participated in the early festivals in Los Angeles; last, joining iPalpiti on its tour in Israel in 2017.

MEET THE ARTISTS

ALEKSANDR SNYTKIN / LITHUANIA-USA

Violinist

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

Lithuanian-American violinist Aleksandr Snytkin has been praised by critics as “an emerging virtuoso with delicate touch and a sense of intimacy, technical and artistic maturity.” Born in 1977 in Potsdam, Germany, he began his musical education at the age of seven, studying violin at the B. Dvarionas Music School in Vilnius, Lithuania. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees are from Lithuanian Music Academy and Malmo Music Academy (Sweden). In 2001, Aleksandr came to the United States to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Kansas and later continued his education at the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, Dallas in Artist Certificate program with Professor Eduard Schmieder.

A soloist with several chamber orchestras in his native country, Aleksandr made his American orchestral solo debut performing Brahms Violin Concerto with the Springfield (Missouri) Symphony Orchestra, after winning the Hellam Young Artists Competition. He is an active chamber musician, performing at festivals in Lithuania, France, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, Israel and the United States. He has also performed with many renowned musicians including pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, and is a founding member of the ART Piano Trio (Lithuania) and the Emerald Piano Trio (Dallas, TX). Snytkin is a member of iPalpiti International Chamber Orchestra, former member of Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and served as guest concertmaster in the Irving and Plano Symphony Orchestras and the Bergen Philharmonic (Norway). After serving as an assistant concertmaster of the Bergen Philharmonic in Norway for the 2009/10 season, Snytkin returned to become a permanent member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He frequently performs in various chamber music groups and is a member of the PLUS string quartet. Most recent solo performances include Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra. Member of iPalpiti since 2005, Aleksandr also toured Israel in 2006, 2011, and 2017, and in 2021 (when many international artists were turned away at airports due to covid restrictions) served as iPalpiti’s leader.

“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 am thankful to iPalpiti for bringing us all together to make music. 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. Since May 2024: Violist, US Army, Pershing’s Own.

YUAN TIAN / CHINA Violinist

Tian was born in Harbin, the city of music. With the unique musical atmosphere and the influence of his hometown and family, Tian began learning violin at the age of three with his father and had his first public performance at the age of four. At the age of seven, he entered the Harbin Children’s Palace High School Symphony Orchestra and was considered the exceptional youngest first violin player there.

In 2008 Tian came to Beijing to study with the famous violin teacher Lin Yaoji, continuing at the affiliate primary school of Central Conservatory of Music; there, he received the highest scholarship from Central Conservatory of Music and Hong Kong Brothers Fund.

In 2011, Tian gave a solo concert in the Harbin concert hall, performing 11 solo compositions and the virtuosic Vieuxtemps’s Fourth Violin Concerto. A critic’s review raved, “ … the pride of the city of music, this warm night, due to Tian Yuan’s wonderful string playing made city more romantic, more charming.” The highlight of 2012 was the successful performance of the famous violin concerto “Butterfly Lovers” at the Harbin Summer Music Concert.

Winner of the Outstanding Performance Award at the Schoenfeld International String Competition in 2014, Tian took part in the Central Conservatory of Music scholarship competition and won third prize (2015), and the following year, won a second prize in the Hong Kong Art Festival violin competition.

In July 2017, Tian was selected to the NYO-China Youth Symphony Orchestra concert in the US Carnegie Hall and a world tour with conductor Ludovic Morlot and pianist Yuja Wang.

Tian participated in the Karvendel Music Festival in the Mittenwald, Germany, in masterclasses with prof. Viktor Tretyakov, and in SUMMIT Music Festival in New York, performing in festivals’ concerts. As a winner of the First Prize of the Young Talent World Festival of Performing and Visual Art 2019, he had a chance to debut with a solo performance at Carnegie Hall.

Selected by NYO-China again, he performed in Shanghai Oriental Art Center, followed by European tour in Konzerthaus Berlin that broadcast to millions via ARTE, United Kingdom’s Snape Maltings Concert Hall and Italy’s Fondazione Teatro Comunale as part of the 2019 Bolzano Festival. On this tour, he also played in piano trio at the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

As a DUO VIOLINO with Zi Wang, he was a winner of the Beverly Hills National Auditions 2022, with performances in Southern California, New York, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Italy, and Spain.

Tian received his BM and MM degree from TEMPLE University in Philadelphia as recipient of a full scholarship in the class of Prof. Eduard Schmieder. This is his third season with iPalpiti.

“iPalpiti Artists International is a superb and unique organization, which helped me to develop myself to highest extent. Moreover, Maestro Schmieder and Mrs. Schmieder have a special place in my heart, because of their endless care for their artists, and their enormous contribution not only to the music, but also to the cultural education of many young musicians, who are given the chance to express their talent. I will always be grateful to them.”

—Rumen Cvetkov Violist/Bulgaria Soloist, chamber musician virtuosoartistsmanagement.com

MEET THE ARTISTS

DIEGO ZAPATA / VENEZUELA

Violinist

Born in Carupano, Sucre State, Venezuela in 1993, Diego began his training as a musician when he was five years old. At ten he began musical studies in Caracas Simon Bolivar Conservatory with Professor Eddy Marcano and Efrain Lara; he continued at the School of Music Mozarteum Caracas, with teacher Richard Biaggini. He was part of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conducted by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel and in concerts conducted by the Director of the Berlin Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle.

He received bachelor degree in Juan N Corpas University, in Bogotá, Colombia, followed by an Artist Diploma and a Performance Certificate at the Richard Wagner Conservatory in Vienna and the University of Kansas, respectively. In 2021, Diego graduated from the University of Kansas where he was working on his Master’s degree with the violin professor David Colwell. Diego took part in numerous festivals including the seminar on advanced technical development of violin in Merida, 2007-2008, summer courses with professor Yuval Yaron in Santa Barbara, California, and master classes with such violinists as Kristof Barati, and Daniel Austrich (iPalpiti alumnus). Diego has played several times with the National Symphony of Colombia and he was featured in the Documentary Film Foundation Orchestras of Venezuela “Tocar y Luchar.” This is his third season with iPalpiti.

JOSEPH KAUFFMAN / USA Violinist-Violist

Born in Oakland, California, Joseph began his violin studies at the age of five. He has studied with Yayoi Numazawa of the Philadelphia Orchestra, James Lyon and Max Zorin of The Pennsylvania State University, and Eduard Schmieder of Temple University. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, he was honored to receive the Creative Achievement Award, given to only one exceptional student. In 2008, Kauffman was accepted into the international class of Prof. Eduard Schmieder in the Master’s Degree program at Temple University, which he completed in 2011, with distinction and received the Albert Tashjian Prize for excellence in performance. He frequently served as concertmaster for the TU Symphony Orchestra and TU Opera Theater. Winner of many competitions in Pennsylvania, Joseph received first prize in the PSU Philharmonic Concerto Competition performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto (2008). He returns to State College every summer for the Penn’s Woods Music Festival under the direction of Maestro Gerardo Edelstein. Joseph founded and performed with the “Valens” Piano Quartet, which received First Prize in the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. As a chamber musician – both as violinist and violist – Kauffman was featured live on classical radio in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. He has performed on major concert stages including Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kimmel Center, and the Kennedy Center, among others. He has participated in master classes with world-class soloists and ensembles, including Jaime Laredo, Philip Setzer, Martin Chalifour, the Shanghai, Emerson, the American, the Tokyo quartets, and many others. Joseph’s D.M.A. thesis “Weathering the Perfect Storm: Preparing the Next Generation for a Career in Music Performance” Temple University, 2018, reverberates and circulates widely in academia. He is an adjunct faculty member at Temple University Boyer College of Music, teaches a talented class of students at the NBS School, maintains a thriving private violin studio, and leads an active performance career. Together with iPalpiti alumnus and cellist Yoni Draiblate, in 2016 he founded and successfully directs the MUSIC TRANSFORMS concert series in Philadelphia. Joseph was selected to join iPalpiti in 2010, taking principal roles as both violinist and a violist in orchestral ensemble as well as in chamber ensembles. He also has been a dedicated orchestra manager during the festivals.

DANIEL MILES / USA Violist

Born in Detroit Michigan in 1997, violist Daniel Miles was introduced to the beautiful sound of the viola when he was ten years old in the Washington State public schools. At the age of fourteen he joined the Tacoma Youth Symphony where he was awarded a scholarship to begin private studies with violist John Scanlon. At 18 he was invited to perform with the National Youth Orchestra of the USA under esteemed conductors Christoph Eschenbach and Valery Gergiev, toured internationally at Carnegie Hall, The Royal Concertgebouw and Smetana Hall, amongst others. Daniel graduated from Oberlin Conservatory under Peter Slowik with Bachelors in Viola Performance in 2020. In 2023 he received master’s degree at USC Thornton School of Music under world renowned violist Karen Dreyfus, with an award “The Most Outstanding String Masters Candidate.”

Daniel has been invited to participate in various festivals such as: IMS Prussia Cove, Music Academy of the West, Bowdoin Music Festival and Heifetz International. He’s been part of the principal pool at USC since 2021 and has regularly performs with Downey, Pacific, and Seattle Symphonies.

Outside of Classical, he has also had the privilege of recording for artists like Mad Tsai for his Spotify Sessions and P. Diddy. He’s also recorded at Warner Bros. Daniel also teaching at YOLA, an El Sistema program founded by Gustavo Dudamel for inner city predominantly black and brown youth.

As a winner of the 2022 Beverly Hills National Auditions, he has received numerous solo engagements in Greater Los Angeles and was selected to the iPalpiti in 2023.

DMITRY RATUSH / ISRAEL Violist

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

Dmitry Ratush, Principal Violist of the Israel Philharmonic as of the 2019-20 season and founding member of the Toscanini String Quartet, was previously Assistant Principal Violist of the Israel Philharmonic (2004-2020). He made his debut in New York at the Merkin Concert Hall in 1991. One of the leading string players in Israel, he was Assistant Principal Violist of the Israel Camerata Jerusalem and Principal Violist of the Bern Symphony in Switzerland and regularly took part in major projects of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, Palau del les Artes (Spain) under the baton of Zubin Mehta as guest Principal Violist.

In 1990 Dmitry Ratush and his family left Russia and settled in Israel. That same year he began his studies at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance with world-renowned viola virtuoso Michael Kugel, graduating in 1994. He continued his studies in Dallas, Texas at SMU, Meadows School of the Arts with Dr. E. Schmieder and Professor B. Hustis.

Dmitry Ratush is a founding member of the Millennium Chamber Ensemble, at the Targ Music Center in Jerusalem. He has appeared with the ensemble on several live broadcasts on Kol Hamusica, the Israeli classical music channel, and recorded two CDs.

As a chamber musician, he has performed regularly in the Israel Festival and the Voice of Music Festival in the Upper Galilee. He has also appeared as soloist and chamber musician in international festivals and chamber music series all over the world.

A member of the iPalpiti since its founding in Dallas at SMU in 1991, Dmitry has participated in the early festivals in Los Angeles, last, taking time off his IPO schedule to join iPalpiti on its tour in Israel in 2017 for 9 concerts in 9 major cities.

MEET THE ARTISTS

ZI ZYGMUND WANG / CHINA

Violinist-Violist

Zi Wang was born in Shanghai and started to learn the violin at the age of four. He attended Szechuan Conservatory of Music with Professor Kaixiang Li and at the High School for Gifted Children of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Professor Mengla Huang.

During 2016–2018 seasons he was selected to work in violin section of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Shanghai Opera Orchestra and performed with the Zurich Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2018 Zygmund was accepted into Professor Schmieder international violin class at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University where he is currently working toward his master’s degree. He participated in numerous music festivals, including Summit Festivals in New York and Burgos, Spain, Talent Masters in Brescia Italy, and Šporcl Academy in Prague. As the first prize winner of the 2019 World Youth Talent Festival, he performed solo at Carnegie Hall in New York in the 2020 season. As DUO VIOLINO with Yuan Tian, he was a winner of the Beverly Hills National Auditions 2022, with performances in Southern California, New York, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Italy, and Spain. Zygmund’s father is a well-known luthier in China, and he plays violin and viola made by his father. This is his third season with iPalpiti.

YONI DRAIBLATE / ISRAEL-USA

Cellist

Israeli-born cellist Yoni Draiblate joined The Florida Orchestra in the fall of 2022. Previous positions were a principal cellist of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and Symphony in C, and associate principal of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He also appeared as a guest principal cellist with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Before moving to Florida, he was a full-time member of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Yoni began playing the cello at age 5, entering the conservatory at age 7, pursued his undergraduate degree at Tel-Aviv University, and in 2011 he earned his master’s degree from New England Conservatory. He holds a doctoral degree in music performance from Temple University in Philadelphia. He had participated in master classes with Janos Starker, Bernard Greenhouse, Gary Hoffman, Laurence Lesser, Uzi Wiesel, Alban Berg Quartet, Borromeo String Quartet, Heinrich Schiff, Natalia Gutman, Frans Helmerson, and Shanghai Quartet.

As a soloist, Draiblate appeared with the Israel Philharmonic, the Tel-Aviv Soloists Ensemble, Israel Camerata, the Buchmann-Mehta Symphony, Symphony in C, Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Prometheus Ensemble, and others. He has been performing on prestigious stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall and Barbican Center in London, Lucerne Festival in Switzerland, Stockholm Festival Sweden, Jordan Hall in the New England Conservatory, Symphony Hall in Boston, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Teatro Colon in Argentina, the Philharmonie Berlin, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and has collaborated with great musicians such as Zubin Mehta, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulèz, Kurt Masur, Gustavo Dudamel, Branford Marsalis, Lambert Orkis, Eduard Schmieder.

Draiblate has toured the United States, Europe and South America with orchestras such as the West EasternDivan Orchestra, iPalpiti Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic.

Draiblate plays on a 2015 copy of the famous 1707 Countess of Stanlein Ex-Paganini Stradivarius cello. The “Oberlin Countess” is one of only three cellos in the world built jointly by 60 world-renowned makers. Yoni has been a member of iPalpiti since 2012.

JAANI HELANDER / FINLAND Cellist

Helander’s Freedom Quartet US premiere will be performed at the festival’s Greystone Mansion concert.

Member of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and the cello professor at the Sibelius Academy, Jaani Helander studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, with Martti Rousi and at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole in Italy with Natalia Gutman.

Helander was awarded 2nd prize in the Turku Cello Competition in 2010 and 1st prize in the string instrument competition at the ISA Festival in Austria in the same year. He has performed as a soloist with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Joensuu and Hämeenlinna City Orchestras and the Guard’s Band in Finland, and with the Spirit of Europe -orchestra in Austria.

Helander is the artistic director of the Helsinki Chamber Music Festival together with violinist Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä (iPalpiti member 2012–2017). With pianist Jaan Ots they also form piano trio Teos. Helander has performed at various chamber music festivals including the iPalpiti festival in Los Angeles and the Nafplion festival in Greece.

With his cellist friend Lukas Stasevskij, Helander forms cello duo Cellomania. They play rock, pop, film music and game music, and Helander makes most of the arrangements. He has also composed the piece Nocturne Op. 1 for the duo. Cellomania released their debut album in 2021. Jaani’s String Quintet Inner Life, Op. 2 was premiered at the 5th Helsinki Chamber Music Festival in July 2021. His Freedom Quartet Op 5 was premiered in Finland in 2023 and see its US premiere during Los Angeles 2024 iPalpiti Festival. Jaani is a member of iPalpiti since 2014.

“iPalpiti will always hold a special place in my memory, both personally and musically. The environment created by the Schmieders is a unique combination of hard work and fun, and I created lasting friendships with some of my fellow iPalpitians. I hope the festival and its spirit will continue on for many years to come!”

—Karina Canellakis

Chief Conductor, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Guest conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Guest conductor, Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester Berlin

Artist-in-Residence, Vienna’s Musikverein 2023-2024

iPalpiti Artistic Advisor

MEET THE ARTISTS

FRANCISCO VILA / ECUADOR Cellist

“Vila brought out the fervour and vitality…consummate projection.”

— The Strad Magazine, April 2012

Francisco Vila began playing the cello at age eight and had his solo debut with an orchestra at age fourteen. Having performed in concerts throughout Europe, North and South America, Vila has been described by cellist Janos Starker as “an exceptionally talented young cellist and musician. He is heading for an important place in the world of music.” As a chamber musician, Francisco has collaborated with Nobuko Imai, Cho-Liang Lin, Gary Hoffman, Martin Chalifour, and others. As soloist, he has appeared with the Houston Symphony, Liège Royal Philharmonic, the Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia, Aalborg Symphonyorkester, the Bolivia Clásica Youth Orchestra, Mexico National Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony and all principal orchestras in his native Ecuador. He has been a participant in Ravinia Steans Institute festival in Chicago, guest artist at the Beaumaris, Santander and the Stavelot Music Festival, among others.

As iPalpiti artist since 2009, he has performed at Zankel Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in a radio broadcasted recitals, Mozarteum Salzburg, and on international tours.

Francisco was granted Presidential Scholarship to the Boston Conservatory for his Bachelor studies, after which he received a Performance Diploma from Indiana University where his teachers were Janos Starker, Sharon Robinson and Menahem Pressler. In 2012, he was selected to the inaugural cello class at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium, where he earned an Artist Diploma under the famed cellist Gary Hoffman. In the same year he became the second-prize laureate of the Sphinx Competition in Detroit Michigan. Francisco views teaching as an important aspect of music-making. In 2015 he has founded the International Music Festival of Esmeraldas (Ecuador), his hometown – supported by a grant from iPalpiti Artists International - social project of free master classes to young talents from Central and South America. In its inaugural 2015 season, iPalpiti alumnus violinist Daniel Austrich was among its international guest artists. Francisco serves on the faculty at the Longy School of Music at Bard College, MA. He was a Principal Cellist of the Aalborg Symphoniorkester in Denmark – in a happy collaboration with iPalpiti alumni concertmaster Vesselin Demirev and Principal 2nd Alexander Dzyubinsky. Francisco performs on a fine 1790 Vincenzo Panormo cello, on generous life-term loan from the “Karl McNutt Family Trust”, as well as the “ex-Janos Starker” E. Tubbs bow. Francisco is an active iPalpiti member since 2009.

“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 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 organization. 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. I look forward to seeing iPalpiti 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

MEET THE ARTISTS

VILÉM VLC ˇ EK / CZECH REPUBLIC

Cellist - iPalpiti Special Prize 2024

FEATURED SOLOIST IN KOPYTMAN’S KADDISH

Winner of numerous national and international competitions, most recently the International Krzyzstof Penderecki Competition (2023), Internationaler Instrumentalwettbewerb Markneukirchen (2023), Rahn Musikpreis (2022) and Martinu competition (2021), Vilém is also recipient of the Jiri Belohlavek Award 2023.

Aside from his soloistic activities he is also an avid chamber music player, most notably as a former member of Kukal Quartet, as a member of which he received third prize at the International Interpretational competition Prague Spring (2021). Vilém received his first cello lessons at the age of six with Prof. Martin Skampa. In 2010 joined the class of Martin and Mirko Skampa at Music Gymnasium in Prague. Since 2018 he is student of Danjulo Ishizaka on the Musik-Akademie Basel. Aside from his studies he has participated in masterclasses of Alfred Brendel, Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos, Steven Isserlis, Frans Helmerson, Richard Aaron and others.

As a soloist, Vlcˇek has performed with the Czech Philharmonic, the Basel Chamber Orchestra, the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra and the Prague Symphony Orchestra, among others. Since 2023 he is assistant of Prof. Danjulo Ishizaka at the Universität der Künste in Berlin. Vilém plays a cello made by G. B. Guadagnini, kindly on loan from the Czech national collection of musical instruments.

IGOR KOGAN / ISRAEL-USA

Bassist

As a music artist, bassist, composer, arranger and bandleader, being inspired by both jazz and classical traditions, Igor combines these two musical worlds in his writing and playing.

He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals in U.S., Canada and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Steinway Hall (New York), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), Bern Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Toronto Music Festival (Canada), Red Sea Jazz Festival (Israel); and appeared at renowned jazz clubs in NYC and Los Angeles.

As an orchestral and session bassist, Kogan has performed with numerous orchestras, including Kyiv Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra (2024 U.S. tour), Riverside Philharmonic Orchestra, Seal Beach Symphony, South Bay Symphony, Voce Del Orchestra, NYU symphony, Ramat Gan Symphonic orchestra to name a few...

Born in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, he began to study violin at age seven. At 15, he immigrated to Israel where he simultaneously pursued his interest in music and science, started to play bass and compose music. Later, he attended The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, from which he graduated with honors and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Performance and Composition.

After spending several years in New York, working as a performing and recording musician, he became involved in Broadway productions as an arranger/orchestrator, and later as a composer. This led to his work on films, TV and media projects, as well as stage productions and live shows.

He relocated to Los Angeles in 2014, where he leads his own Jazz Quintet and 17 piece Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, continues to work as a composer, arranger and orchestrator on variety of projects both in jazz and orchestral concert music as well as commercial projects, film/TV scores, and recording sessions.

He recently recorded his debut jazz album “In a Big City” of original compositions and featuring 9-time Grammy Award nominee jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton. This is Igor’s first season with iPalpiti.

MEET THE ARTISTS

MICHAEL DAVIDMAN / USA Pianist

FEATURED SOLOIST IN TURINA’ RHAPSODIA SINFONICA

Michael began his piano studies at the age of five at the Greenwich House Music School, continuing with Efrem Briskin at the Manhattan School of Music precollege division, completed his Bachelor of Music at the Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of Robert McDonald, and his Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School with pianists Jerome Lowenthal and Stephen Hough. Michael also received an Artist Diploma studying with Stanislav Ioudenich at the International Center for Music (ICM) and the Reina Sofia School of Music in Madrid, Spain. Winner of numerous competitions, including 2022 Long-Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris, 2019 Juilliard Gina Bachauer Competition, 2018 New York International Piano Competition chamber ensemble, as well as a four-year scholarship from the Chopin Foundation of the United States, Michael soloed with Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestre Symponique de la Garde Republicaine, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, New York Chamber Orchestra, and the West Point Band among others. He has performed on prestigious stages such as Salle Cortot, Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall, and the Kimmel Center. Festivals performances include Encuentro de Musica festival in Santander, Spain, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Yale), Music Academy of the West, Summit Music Festival, Music@Menlo, and PianoFest in the Hamptons. Michael has also performed on WHYY “Curtis on Stage,” WQXR McGraw Hill Young Artist Showcase, WSKG-FM radio Expressions Series, NPR’s radio program “From the Top”, and “Piano Evenings with David Dubal.” An exceptional presence on the concert stage earned him glowing reviews in the press, “The American Michael Davidman, 25, sets the bar high with a program focused on the spectacular and the atmospheric, impressing the public… breathtaking and flamboyant… intense sensitivity…”

An opera enthusiast from a very young age, Michael does audio restoration and cleaning work on historical and rare opera recordings, uploaded to his YouTube channel called PucciniMD.

MISAQ ESHAGHI / IRAN-USA

Folk percussion

Born in Mashhad, Iran, Misaq began learning Tombak (Persian hand drum) with his father, master Dariush Eshaghi, from early ages. At the age of 9, he started learning Kamancheh and traveled through Iran to study with various masters. Being a Baha’i, he was not allowed to go to university in Iran, so at the age of 23 he and his brother immigrated to the United States to pursue his education in music. Misaq received his bachelor’s degree in music industry studies at CSUN and his Master’s in Performance and Composition at CalArts. With his brother Matin Eshaghi, Misaq performed throughout the US and Australia as a Koobáng Ensemble. They have released 5 albums. Misaq resides in Los Angeles, working as a professional musician, teaching and performing percussion and Kamancheh. In 2019, Misaq was performing with iPalpiti orchestra in Disney Hall in the premiere of Harmony by Azerbaijani famous composer Franghiz Ali-Zade.

HISTORY

Dedicated to the artistic career advancement of exceptionally gifted young professional musicians and to the promotion of peace and understanding through music.

With the blessing and support of the late Lord Yehudi Menuhin — after years of collaboration, friendship, and conversations about the future of classical music with Eduard and Laura Schmieder — Young Artists International was born in 1997.

In 2008, we became iPalpiti Artists International. (ee-PAHL-pit-ee is Italian for “heartbeats.”) From the beginning, our mission has been to discover and support post-conservatory musicians, whose talents were destined to make them the leading classical musicians of their generation. Sometimes referred to as a “Musical Peace Corps,” iPalpiti has created an international network of classical artists, forging lifetime associations that transcend the conflicts of our time. Our mission attracted the attention of a group of the world’s leading classical musicians, who joined as Artistic Advisors, with the Great Dame of the Violin Ida Haendel, CBE as Honorary President. With their support and keen ear for talent, we have been able to promote the most exceptional young professional musicians from around the globe.

Our program grew from a six-artist festival in 1998 into an annual production of international significance, centered on the iPalpiti Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates with Maestro Eduard Schmieder as conductor. In addition to the iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates at our home base in Los Angeles, iPalpiti has been an invited ensemble-in-residence in Japan, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Korea, Austria, Slovenia, and Israel, performing to sold-out audiences in venues from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Carnegie Hall in New York.

Since 1998, iPalpiti Artists International has:

• Presented awards and scholarships to over 400 outstanding young musicians in 54 countries.

• Presented more than 600 private and public concerts promoting young exceptional artists nationwide, including international tours.

• Presented annual “Benefactors Concert Series” throughout the years in private estates.

• Released 25 CDs of iPalpiti Orchestra & Soloists in live performances.

• Created the Mentor Program and Student Coalition for the Arts for 7-12th graders to nurture the growth of interests, personal confidence and building a future audience.

• Released three short documentaries about iPalpiti and its Festival.

In 2007, iPalpiti celebrated its 10th anniversary with a New York Carnegie Hall debut to a rave review in the New York Times . Now a bi-coastal presence in the US, iPalpiti is an ensemble-in-residence at Temple University in Philadelphia, with “iPalpiti Musicales” has been presented in New York at the home of Susan & Charles Avery Fisher since 2007. In 2009, iPalpiti expanded its festival to the East Coast, with performances in Philadelphia (Kimmel Center), a finale concert at Carnegie Hall, and returned to the East Coast in 2011.

iPalpiti’s Festivals have been featured in publications such as the STRAD magazine (1999, 2004, 2013), Strings magazine (1998, 2004) and the Los Angeles Times (1998, 2003, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017), calling the Festival’s performances “world-class” and “take-your-breath-away demonstrations of musicianship and technique.”

iPalpiti Artists International is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that stands on the belief that “music is the spiritual factor which brings people together and unites them irrespective of religion and culture, appealing to sublime senses.”

Enjoy iPalpiti music year-around CDs available for purchase after the concerts, online: www. iPalpiti .org, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, and at iTunes.

PICTURES At AN EXHIBITION

iPalpiti’s alumni have become leading soloists, concertmasters, and orchestral and chamber players around the world.

While the accomplishments of all 400+ alumni would be too lengthy to list, here are some highlights:

Roman Patkoló ( Slovakia) - Double Bass Soloist under Columbia Artists Management. Leader, Bassonia Amorosa. Member, Zurich Opera. Collaborates with Anne-Sofia Mütter, including performance with the Boston and London Symphonies in the premieres of Previn’s Double Concerto.

“I’ve never heard such a fantastic player,” said Previn.

“...[Patkoló] certainly lived up to his billing as a sensational soloist...” - Strad Magazine

Alexandru Tomescu (Romania) - State Soloist of Romania, international soloist. Performs on Stradivarius violin from the State collection. Records four CDs annually. Winner of 28 international awards, and recognized as a “violin superstar” by the prestigious Strad (UK) and Classica (France) magazines.

Pavel Sporcl (Czech Republic) - Ranks among the foremost representatives of today’s young generation of violinists. Frequent guest of TV and radio programs; exclusive Supraphon artist, awarded Gold & Platinum albums.

Valentina Lisitsa (Ukraine - France) - Compared by critics to the legendary artists Horowitz and Rachmaninov. Collaborates with Lynn Harrell, Ida Haendel, Cho-Liang Lin, Vadim Repin, and Hilary Hahn. IMG Artists.

Sayako Kusaka (Japan) - First Concertmaster of Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin (formerly Berlin Symphony Orchestra founded by Kurt Sonderling). “Best Musician of the Year” award from Critic’s Association of Japan (2005), Idemitsu Music Prize (2009). Top prizes in the most prestigious competitions. Solo engagements in prestigious series in Europe and Japan.

Luiza Borac (Romania) - Concert pianist. BBC 2007 award for the best solo CD recording of the year. (Avie Records) “… pianist of enviable professionalism”- Gramophone. Featured covers & reviews in Fanfare and Gramophone and other major international publications. Faculty, Hanover Hochschule.

Cameron Carpenter (USA) - Multiple Grammy nominee. “Maveric Organist” –New York Times. Multi-album record contract with TELARC® Digital.

Karina Canellakis (USA) - Chief Conductor Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra starting 2019 season. Principal Guest Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra. Principal Guest Conductor, Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester Berlin

Latonia Moore (USA) - Performs with Dresden, Covent Garden and Houston Opera companies in leading soprano roles. Winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s National Auditions. Recorded Mahler 2nd Symphony with Deutsche Grammophon. Laifer Artist Management.

Boris Brovtsyn (Russia) - Soloist and Chamber ensemble violinist, IMG Artists. Former: Concertmaster, Kremerata Baltika, Royal Coventgarden. Prize-winner of international violin competitions. Professor, Yehudi Menuhin School of Music, UK.

Svetlana Smolina (Russia - USA) - Performs with orchestras and in recitals worldwide, including Mariinsky Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic at Avery Fischer, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Orchestra National de France. iPalpiti debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2011.

Daniel Austrich (Russia - Germany) - Violinist and member of the Michelangelo Quartet – the youngest to play alongside such renowned artists in a classical international world as violist Nobuko Imai, cellist Frans Helmerson, and violinist Michaela Martin.

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…

Since its founding in 1991 in Dallas by Eduard Schmieder, iPalpiti Orchestral Ensemble of International Laureates has been invited to the world’s prestigious venues and festivals. Here are some Mementos from tours to Israel in 2006, 2011, and 2017.

TESTIMONIALS

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

TESTIMONIALS

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]

FOUNDERS & ARTISTIC ADVISORS

“Young Artists International is an organization that consists of active and participating musicians following the dictates of their conscience; i.e. their responsibility to the younger generations. I endorse it with all my heart.” (1997)

-Lord Yehudi Menuhin Founding Member, In Memoriam

Eduard Schmieder Carnell Distinguished Professor violinist, conductor / USA

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Martin Chalifour

Gidon Kremer

Vadim Repin

Ida Haendel, CBE* Great Dame of the Violin United Kingdom/Canada

Artistic Advisors

Julius Berger

Karina Canellakis

Cho-Liang Lin

Angel Romero

*Founding Advisors, in Memoriam:

Dame Ida Haendel

Lynn Harrell

Igor Oistrakh

Menachem Pressler

Ruggiero Ricci

Schmieder & Lord Menuhin

Board of Directors

Mikhail Gershfeld, Chairman

Mary Levin-Cutler, Founding Chairman

Ada Sands, Vice Chair

Yefin Bronfman

Gary

Karr

Wynton Marsalis

Kian Soltani

Theodore Bikel, In Memoriam

Stefan Ashkenazy

Lauren Dani Jim Gilliam

Director

Laura Schmieder

Community Advisory Board

Thomas Backer, Ph.D.

Ariane David, Ph.D

Dr. Jim Eninger

Monte M. Lemann II, Esq.

Harold Schloss, The Schloss Group of Merrill Lynch

Wanda Presburger, Community Liaison

Jonathan Steinberg, Chairman Emeritus

Anna Volkoff, CPA

Hon. Zev Yaroslavsky

International Council

Directors, International Competitions

Count Yvan De Launoit - Vice President

Queen Elizabeth International Competition (Belguim)

Kaija Saariketu - Director, Sibelius International Competition (Finland)

Mihai Constantinescu - Director, George Enescu

International Competition & Festival (Romania)

Festival Staff

Jacopo Giacopuzzi

Juan Tomas Lopez

Alexander Milovanov

Tatiana Kuznetsova

Hillel Smith - Graphic Design

ALUMNI AMBASSADOR

“I have heard of different similar organizations. All of these things are so often promised, but so seldom seen. iPalpiti has done it for me and I shall always remember that; therefore, I consider that its future development is vital for young musicians and for saving classical music.

Alexandru Tomescu, State Soloist of Romania/International soloist/Recording Artist

One of the six original iPalpiti soloists in 1998 inaugural festival

Dedicated to the artistic career advancement of exceptionally gifted young professional musicians and to the promotion of peace and understanding through music.

We invite you to Give LIFE to iPalpiti for this 27th season and future years, and, in return receive the “music from the heart” which iPalpiti is so known for. You, our Audiences and Supporters, mean the world to the musicians and the Maestro.

• $5000+ LAUREATE CIRCLE

• $1000+ BENEFACTOR

• $500 PATRON

• $100 PARTNER

• $75& under FRIENDS & ASSOCIATES

$ Any amount makes an impact

$ In Honor Of

• 100% of Your Contribution goes toward support of exceptional prize-winning young professional classical musicians and Musicians Relief Fund.

• Festival promotes peace and understanding through music.

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Enclosed, please find my: Pledge Contribution In the amount of $

ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1125 N. Fairfax Ave., POB 462117 • Los Angeles, CA 90046-9998 (310) 205-0511 • www.iPalpiti.org • email: info@iPalpiti.org 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization EIN: 95-4618040 PLEASE REMEMBER US IN YOUR END OF THE

CONTRIBUTORS

MAESTRO CIRCLE

($50,000 - $100,000)

Joyce & Aubrey Chernick

LAUREATE CIRCLE

($5,000 - $18,000)

Mary Levin Cutler

Anita Lorber

County of Los Angeles Arts Commission

Lana & Jeff Melman

Ada Sands

Laura & Eduard Schmieder

Robert R. Stroker, Dean, Boyer College of Music, Vice Provost for the Arts, Temple University

BENEFACTORS ($1,000+)

Lawrence Abrahams

Beverly Hills Rotary Foundation

Ernest Lieblich Foundation/ George Pao

Lauren Dani Chung

Ariane David

Valerie Field

Susan & Charles Avery Fisher

Dr. Bernard Franklin

Mikhail & Tonia Gershfeld

Jenny Grigor

Neda Hakim Sarraf

Marina Kovalevsky

Dina & Fred Leeds

Monte Lemann & CC Pulitzer-Lemann

Beth Maher Foundation

Jaclyn Maduff

Ellen Walker Rienstra

William Schneider

Dale Seltzer

Jonathan Steinberg & Dr. Buf C. Meyer

David & Sheryl Wiener

Herb & Annette Wolas

PATRONS

($500+)

Victor & Shery Bardack

Timothy Barker

Alice Berkowitz

Hon. Christine Byrd

Elena Cielak

Francine & David Coeytaux

Lisa & Gary Foster

Darius Gagne

Jack & Lola Gershfeld

Julia Ljubimova

Jan Meisel

Arkady & Elena Milgram

Dr. Peter Newton

Pacific Ocean Pediatrics

Nancy Scanlan

Yana & Roman Shukman

PARTNERS ($100+)

Abrahimi, S.

Susan Ascher

Linda Bame

Elana Berman

Lori Berris

Dr. Ludmila Bess

Rina Bezonsky

Richard Blumenberg

Michelle Bolotin

Ross Buckly

Kayla Chaikin

Vera Chesnokova

Shaun Clark

Lauren Cohen

Gabriel Danovich

Wilhelmina De Boks

Shireen Dekiewit

Wendy Dytman

Shayda Ebrahimi

Stephen Ehrilch

Debra England

Terri Farthi

Kathleen Fitzgerald

R. Laura Geller

James R. Gilliam

Liza Glazer

Sima Goldberg

Andrea Green

Barbara Heller

Beatrice Hines

Andrew Hirsch

Judy Karz

Diana Katsman

Efraim & Shulamit Katz

Ron Kenan

Yelena Khandros

Sara Kinder

Yelena Krutikova

Kimberly Kyne

Esfir Lebovich

Benjamin Leeds

Alexander Levin

Vladimir & Anna Levin

Janet Levy

Sara & Alex Litvak

Rosy (Rocio Williams)

Macarah

Lindsey Malamut

Fred Manaster

Jamie Marzouk

Deborah Medway

Lori Miller & Phil Lieberman

Shelley Miller

Svetlana Milovanova

Jennifer Moizel

Ellen Monnes

Eric & Winni Moses

Anthony Napoli

Lusine Nazaryan

Johanna &Ronald Odrich

Olga Olevsky

Lambert Orkis

Ron Ozur

David Pack

Ronna Pascal

Joseph Peterson

Or Pikar

Mitchell & Polina Pindus

Pitson, Miriam

Michael Rachmani

Eli Rahmani

Nadia Raizer

Yul Rapport

Luis Remba

Susanne Reyto

Regina Rogers

Inna & Dmitri Romanenko

Natalia & Marat Rosenberg

Sheri Rosenblum

Lynn Roth

Sonya Rousso

Karen Rosner

Tamara Schiff

Harold & Leni Schloss

David Shapiro

Gregory & Andrea Smith

Hugh & Barbara Smith

Sharon Soble

Gloria Sokolin

Dr. & Mrs. Charles Solomon

Galina Stolina

S. Brentwood

Residents Association

Judith Spector

Edvin Tabrikian

Joseph Tartakovsky

Allyson Taylor

Bita Tebyani

Jenny Tennen

Dr. Yelena Vaynerov

William Vestal

Anna Volkoff & Norman Rachitsky

Beverly Wertheimer

Sharon Wertheimer

Adele Wilson

Amanda Wizenberg

Herb & Annette Wolas

Carol Yoon

IN-KIND

Stefan Ashkenazy | Petit Ermitage

Severyn Ashkenazy & Princess Irina Sayn-Wittgenstein | Host

City of Beverly Hills

Jaime Castellanos | Conroy’s North Hollywood

Vladi Khiterer Inc. | Legal

Helena & Stanley Kolodziey | Host

Dina & Fred Leeds | Host

Shannon Zachary

Sari Zelikowsky

Daphna Ziman

FRIENDS & ASSOCIATES

($75 & UNDER)

AlieVHealth

Vera Chesnokova

Masha Cohen

Joya Esagoff

Erika Galimurza

Tatiana Kaltgrad

Elizabeth Liber

Nicole Motamed

Zory Shaposhnik

July 2023 – June 2024

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Any omissions are sincerely regretted.

Semyon Losmakov | IT support

Ellen Rienstra | Editing

Rotary Club of Beverly Hills

Sands & Associates LLC

Harold Schloss | IT support

Flo Selfman | PR, Editing

Anna Volkoff, CPA

VOLUNTEERS

We are grateful to all who dedicated support over the years and in future seasons!

Linda Bame

Alla Feldman

Rachel Herman

Esfir Lebovich

Svetlana & Alexandr Milovanov

Flo Selfman

Nikki Sieger

Galina Vaisman

Vlad Vexler

Sarah Victor

Please extend our thanks by patronizing our supporters. Let them know that you noticed their support of iPalpiti Artists International.

Thank you for supporting iPalpiti since 1999!

North Hollywood 12901 Victory Blvd (Victory & Coldwater Canyon)

Redondo Beach 2709 Artesia Blvd (Artesia & Inglewood)

Alhambra 1100 W Valley Blvd (Valley & Atlantic)

Bakersfield 3310 Truxtun Ave Ste 100 (Truxton & Oak)

270 N. CANON DR., FLOOR 3 - BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210

Roman Genn salutes iPalpiti & the Maestro!

Roman Genn is a contributing editor for the National Review. His work appears regularly in leading publications nationwide, such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times.

iPalpiti Artists International

If you would like to learn more, be a part of, or support the programs of iPalpiti Artists International, please fill out and mail page 31.

select pages from

magic cloud

through the eyes of Dana Ross, iPalpiti photographer since 1998

iPalpiti 2011 in Beverly Hills

Violinist Daniel Turcina / Slovakia, soloist in Klezmer Dances by Syrian composer Kareem Roustom at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (2011)

Maestro Eduard Schmieder contemplates during a rehearsal break