iPalpiti Festival 2026

YEHUDI MENUHIN

1916-1999

Musician and Visionary

Dear Friends and Music Lovers:

We are delighted to welcome you to our 29th annual festival, and the continuation of our mission of love, humanity, and peace through great classical music. In these times, our mission resonates more than ever.

Bringing you another great week in summer classical cultural life in Los Angeles, this year, prizewinning laureates from 17 Countries – distinguished alumni and new discoveries – arrive in Southern California from Belarus, Ireland, Lithuania, China, Korea, Japan, Ecuador, Norway, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Spain, Venezuela, Japan, Poland, Russia, Azerbaijan, Estonia and the US for a week’s residence in Beverly Hills, July 20–26.

The iPalpiti Festival “has become one of the highlights – in some years, the highlight – of the summer here.” —R. Ginell, American Record Guide

This festival, Maestro Eduard Schmieder presents Angelenos a unique musical phenomenon:

VioliniPalpiti

For the FIRST time since the famed Bolshoi Theatre Violin Ensemble toured America in the 1960s, the art of 14 violin virtuosi sounding as ONE will be heard live again. In a classical-romantic-pop program “Songs of Love & Life” (“Canzoni d’amore e di vita”), iPalpiti’s virtuoso violinists will play selections of beloved vignettes by great composers, showcasing unison and virtuosity – qualities for which iPalpiti, under Schmieder’s direction, has long been praised. Program will conclude with a Salute to America’s 250th!

The VioliniPalpiti concert will take place on Saturday, July 25, 8 PM at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. From virtuosi extravaganzas to duets, trios, to guitar quintet and concerto for violin, piano and string quartet, iPalpiti Soloists will mesmerize the audience with a wide range of music from familiar tunes to rarely heard gems.

Prior to the LA festival, June 15-25, iPalpiti orchestra held a residency tour in Czech Republic, in collaboration with alumnus Pavel Šporcl’s Stars over Vltava festival.

Twenty-two stellar musicians from 18 countries, under the baton of Maestro Schmieder gave concerts at world-famous Marienbad and Carlsbad spas and in nationally televised performance in Prague with Pavel Šporcl – Czech violin superstar – as featured soloist. A symbol of international dialogue, the young generation, and the connection of musical cultures, these concerts confirm global dimensions of the iPalpiti collaborative projects.

As always, you will be inspired and uplifted!

Mikhail Gershfeld

Chairman (1999–2000, 2021–current)

“UNITED NATIONS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC”

July

Beverly Hills | Los Angeles

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”

“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

Artistic

Advisor

Chief Conductor, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Guest conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Guest conductor, Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester Berlin

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

Artistic Advisor

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

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.

CALENDAR

20–24 JULY [Monday–Friday]

Rehearsal residency at the Greystone Mansion Open to the public by reservation Greystone Mansion

21 JULY [Tuesday]

8:00pm Rooftop Soirée

Petit Ermitage

22 JULY [Wednesday]

7:00pm Sunset Champagne Reception on the Terrace Concert IN the Mansion

Schubert Notturno trio, Chausson Concerto Greystone Mansion

23 JULY [Thursday]

8:00pm iPalpiti Soloists

Guitar Quintet & Violin Extravaganza Municipal Gallery

25 JULY [Saturday]

8:00pm VioliniPalpiti | “Canzoni d’amore e di vita” Salute to America’s 250th!

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

26 JULY [Sunday]

8:00pm Meet the Artists Farewell Rendezvous

Fred & Dina Leeds Amphitheater, Bel Air

Locations:

Petit Ermitage 8822 Cynthia St, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Greystone Mansion 905 Loma Vista Drive Beverly Hills 310.285.6830

City Hall Municipal Gallery 455 N. Rexford Drive Beverly Hills 90210

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 455 N. Rexford Drive Beverly Hills 90210

Fred & Dina Leeds Amphitheater Bel Air

Address provided with paid reservation

Info & Tickets: (310) 205-0511 www.iPalpiti .org

“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)

TUESDAY, July 21, 8:00 p.m.

Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

ROOFTOP SOIRÉE

By Invitation Only, Free to Members Program announced from stage.

At Petit Ermitage hotel, home of the Festival for many seasons, iPalpiti musicians enjoy the hospitality and artistic atmosphere of this unique landmark, practice & perform en plein air & dine on chef’s selections.

WEDNESDAY, July 22, 7:00 p.m.

Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills

iPalpiti Soloists

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Ernest Chausson (1855-1899)

Notturno in E-Flat Major for Piano Trio, D.897

Michael Davidman, piano

Boris Borgolotto, violin

Francisco Vila, cello

Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, Op. 21

Décidé – Animé

Sicilienne: Pas vite

Grave

Très animé

Boris Borgolotto, violin

Michael Davidman, piano

Takamori Arai & Sherzod Abdiev, violins

Njord Kårason Fossnes, viola

Francisco Vila, cello

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

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

Municipal Gallery, Beverly Hills

iPalpiti Soloists

Haendel / Halvorsen

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968)

Passacaglia

Veronika Sveshnikova, violin/Julia Kuzmina, viola

Guitar Quintet, Op. 143 (1950)*

I. Allegro vivo e schietto

II. Andante mesto

III. Scherzo: Allegro con spirito, alla Marcia

IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco

*Composed for the great guitarist Andres Segovia in a neoclassical/ neo-romantic style.

Alexander Milovanov, guitar

Pablo Rapado Jambrina & Kamila Bydlowska, violins

Julia Kuzmina, viola

Francisco Vila, cello

Heinrich Ernst (1812-1865)

Bjarne Brustad (1895 – 1978)

Ruslan Dashdamirov (1999 – )

Frédéric Chopin (1810 -1849)

Variations on the “Last Rose of Summer”

Yuan Tian, solo violin

Eventyrsuite

Njord Kårason Fossnes, solo viola

La Folia Variations

Ruslan Dashdamirov, solo violin

Ballade N 4, Op.52 (1842)

Michael Davidman, piano

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: Matthew Brown, Stephanie Harris, Christopher Paulson, Sara Scrimshaw

Mayor: Craig A. Corman • Vice Mayor Mary N. Wells City Council Members:

R. Nazarian PSYD, Lester Friedman, John A. Mirish

Cellist Jonathan Karoly, now member LA Philharmonic

Pianist Valentina Lisitsa, international soloist, Decca Recording Artist

Pianist Robert Thies, concert soloist, Director Concert Series Southbay

Violinist Boris Brovtsyn, international soloist, Prof. Yehudi Menuhin School of Music, London

Violinist Alexandru Tomescu, State Soloist of Romania

Violist Fumino Ando, Principal Portland Symphony

Sharona

CONCERTS

SATURDAY, July 25, 8:00 p.m.

The Wallis Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills

VioliniPalpiti

“Canzoni d’amore e di vita” (Songs of Love & Life)

Alexander Glazunov

Manuel De Falla

Zdenek Fibich

Franz Schubert

Felix Mendelssohn

Johannes Brahms

Jozef Joachim-Raff

Entre’acte from ballet “Raymonda”, Op.57a (1898)

Dance Espagnole

Poém

~~~~~~

Ave Maria, Op.52 (arr. Wilhelmi)

On Wings of Song, Op. 34 N2

Hungarian Dance N 4

Cavatine Op.85 N3

~~~~~~

Dmitri Shostakovich

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Prokofiev

Pablo De Sarasate

Scott Joplin – Igor Frolov

Romance in C major “Gadfly Suite”

Vocalize, Op.34 N 14

Masquers from “Romeo and Juliette”, Op 75 N 5 (arr. Jascha Heifetz)

~~~~~~

Jota Navarra, Op.22 N 2

Ragtime (The Easy Winners)

Salute America 250th!

John Philip Sousa-Bruce Dukov

Stars & Stripes, in the style of Wieniawski

The Violinists

(listed in order of position on stage)

Boris Borgolotto / France

Veronika Sveshnikova / Russia

Ruslan Dashdamirov / Azerbaijan

Yuan Tian / China

Taisiya Losmakova / Belarus

Takamori Arai / Japan

Julia Kuzmina / Russia-USA

Kamila Bydlowska / Poland

Samuel Allan-Chapkovski / Ireland-Estonia

Lina Juknevic˘iuˉte˙ / Lithuania

Sherzod Abdiev / Uzbekistan

Olivia Jeongah Kim / Korea-USA,

Diego Zapata Gallardo / Venezuela

Pablo Rapado Jambrina / Spain

Pianist

Michael Leonardo Davidman / USA

For the FIRST time since the famed Bolshoi Theatre Violin Ensemble toured the America in 1960s, Maestro Eduard Schmieder brings the art of 14 violin virtuosi sounding as ONE in a classical-romantic-pop program “Canzoni d’amore e di vita.”

In a tribute to the great violin ensemble, showcasing unison and virtuosity — qualities for which iPalpiti, under Schmieder’s direction, has long been praised, iPalpiti’s virtuoso violinists play selections of beloved vignettes by great composers.

The concert is sponsored in part by the City of Beverly Hills.

SUNDAY, July 26, 5:00 p.m.

Dina & Fred Leeds Amphitheater, Bel Air

Meet the Artists

An annual social event to honor iPalpiti musicians

Wine & Dine in the Garden

Performance at iPalpitians’ inspiration

Farewell Rendezvous

“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

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

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

Prior to this festival in Los Angeles, June 15-25, iPalpiti orchestra held a residency tour in Czech Republic. Twenty-two stellar musicians from 18 countries had music-making /networking retreat at the sprawling estate of the Chateau Cihelny in western Bohemia. The project took place as a collaboration with a national Stars over Vltava festival – founded and directed by alumnus Pavel Šporcl – with concerts at world-famous Marienbad and Carlsbad concert halls and in a nationally televised performance in Prague. Pavel, Czech violin superstar, was our featured soloist.

An amazing group of seasoned alumni and the “new finds” came together in an international dialogue of musical cultures, professional advancement and the energy of the young generation,

LETTER TO THE AUDIENCE cont.

culminating in emotionally charged performances. It was a true affirmation of the global dimensions of the iPalpiti mission.

For the LA festival this season, along with special selections of chamber and solo repertoire, I thought to present our audiences a unique musical phenomenon: violin ensemble of 14 violin virtuosi, appropriately called VioliniPalpiti

In a tribute to the famed Bolshoi Theatre Violin Ensemble, founded in 1950s, touring the world and America, iPalpiti’s virtuoso violinists will give a concert of beloved vignettes by great composers in a classical-romantic-pop program we titled “Canzoni d’amore e di vita” (“Songs of Love & Life”) showcasing unison and virtuosity – qualities for which iPalpiti music-making, has long been praised.

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” — Gustav Mahler

AT A 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.

The inspired young musicians of iPalpiti, from 18 countries, 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

iPalpiti orchestra on tour June 15-25, 2026

Eduard Schmieder, conductor

Prior to the festival in Los Angeles, June 15-25, iPalpiti orchestra held a residency tour in Czech Republic. Twenty-two stellar musicians from 18 countries, had rehearsal/networking retreat at the sprawling estate of the Chateau Cihelny in western Bohemia.

The project took place as a collaboration with a national Stars over Vltava festival, founded and directed by alumnus Pavel Šporcl.

The concerts took place at world-famous Marienbad and Carlsbad concert halls and in a nationally televised performance in Prague, with Pavel Šporcl – Czech violin superstar – as featured soloist. A symbol of international dialogue, young generation, and the connection of musical cultures, these concerts further manifest global dimensions of the iPalpiti collaborative projects.

Violins

Boris Borgolotto / France, Leader

Sherzod Abdiev / Uzbekistan-Switzerland

Samuel Allan-Chapkovsky / Ireland-Estonia

Takamori Arai / Japan

Kamila Bydlowska / Poland

Irina Chepyzhnaya / Russia

Jeongah Olivia Kim / Korea-USA

Taisiya Losmakova / Belarus

Pablo Rapado Jambrina / Spain

Askar Salimdjanov / USA

Yuan Tian / China

Irakli Tsadaia / Georgia-Germany

Violas

Juan-Miguel Hernandez / Canada

Joseph Kauffman / USA

Elvira Martinez / Spain

Can Sakul / Turkey

Celli

Jaani Helander / Finland

Francisco Vila / Ecuador

Danagul Azhikenova / Kazakhstan

Kristyna Fran˘ková / Czech Republic

Bass

Dušan Kostic’ / Serbia

MEET THE ARTISTS

BORIS BORGOLOTTO / FRANCE

Violinist / iPalpiti leader 2026

French violinist Boris Borgolotto, described by legendary pianist Menahem Pressler as “the best playing today,” leads an international career as a soloist and chamber musician.

A graduate of the Paris National Conservatory (CNSMDP), with diploma of special distinction, Boris continued his artistic development at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, the Reina Sofía School of Music, and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, working under the guidance of Dora Schwarzberg and Günter Pichler of the Alban Berg Quartet. He also received invaluable mentorship from Menahem Pressler and Alfred Brendel, whose influence continues to shape his musical vision.

He has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Paris Philharmonic, Salle Pleyel, Bozar and Flagey in Brussels, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles,shared the stage with artists such as Vadim Repin, Kyung-Wha Chung, Mihaela Martin, Kim Kashkashian, Ivry Gitlis, and Patrice Fontanarosa, and has performed under conductors including Ton Koopman, Myung-Whun Chung, Eduard Schmieder, Stéphane Denève, Nil Venditti, and Joe Hisaishi.

A founding member of the internationally acclaimed Zadig Trio, Boris won 11 international prizes across France, U.S.A., Germany, U.K., Austria and Italy and performed in leading halls and festivals worldwide.

The trio’s critically acclaimed albums, released under the Outhere Music/Fuga Libera label, have earned unanimous praise from the international press. A DVD of Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich piano trios in collaboration with EuroArts appeared in “Nocturna” musical film on French national television.

His recording of a live performance of César Franck Violin Sonata and Ernest Chausson Concerto in Prague with pianist Théo Fouchenneret and the Arod Quartet was broadcast on Mezzo TV, Amazon Prime Video, Canal+, and Qwest TV.

A committed pedagogue, Boris has been invited to give masterclasses and serve as a jury member at international competitions in China, South Korea, France, Cuba, Canada, and the USA.

Since 2023, he has served as Guest Professor at the Xi’an Conservatory and Head of Strings at the Tsinghua Academy of Music in Beijing.

In parallel with his performing and teaching career, through association Pro Musicis, Boris has long been dedicated to cultural outreach across diverse social backgrounds and environments.

Early in his career, he was awarded 1st Prize at the IBLA Foundation and the American Fine Arts Competition in New York, distinctions that led to his Carnegie Hall debut and a recital tour across the United States. He was later honored with a Carnegie Award.

Boris performs on a Cremonese violin by the renowned Italian maker Bergonzi.

Member of iPalpiti since 2016.

“… a serious and resourceful podium personality.”

MEET THE ARTISTS

Eduard Schmieder music director & conductor

— 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)

MEET THE ARTISTS

MICHAEL LEONARDO DAVIDMAN / UNITED STATES Pianist

Michael Leonardo Davidman is an award-winning American pianist whose performances have taken him to major stages across the United States and Europe. Recognized as one of the most compelling pianists of his generation, in 2025, he was named Winner of the American Piano Awards and received the prestigious Christel DeHaan Fellowship, an honor that places him among the most distinguished pianists in the nation.

Hailed for playing of “thunderous authority and loads of interpretive nuance,” which “swept everything before it,” (Jay Harvey, Upstage, American Piano Awards, 2024), Davidman has soloed with leading ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Orchestre Symphonique de la Garde Républicaine (Paris). His performances have been heard in such renowned venues as Salle Cortot and Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Symphony Space, the Kimmel Center, and Ambassador Auditorium in Los Angeles. 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.”

Internationally, Davidman has appeared in Spain, Italy, Russia, and France, with major performances and in numerous music festivals. At Long-Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris, ResMusica praised his Tchaikovsky First Concerto for its “aristocratic sound, great lyricism, wide dynamic palette, and flamboyant interpretation,” awarding him both Third Prize and the prestigious Orchestra Prize (ResMusica, Paris, 2022).

Davidman’s numerous honors also include First Prize at the Juilliard Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, First Prize at the New York International Piano Competition (Chamber Ensemble Division), a four-year scholarship from the Chopin Foundation of the United States and the Young Steinway Artist roster.

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, Bachelor of Music at the Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of Robert McDonald, Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School with pianists Jerome Lowenthal and Stephen Hough, and Artist Diploma studying with Stanislav Ioudenich at the International Center for Music (ICM) and the Reina Sofia School of Music in Madrid, Spain.

A lifelong opera enthusiast, Davidman maintains a deep connection to the vocal world. He curates rare and historic recordings on his YouTube channel PucciniMD and frequently collaborates with singers in live performance. One critic captured this dual artistic identity perfectly after a Puccini transcription encore: “‘Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore’—who expressed it better than Puccini? And who can represent it as well as artists of Michael Davidman’s caliber?” (Jay Harvey, Upstage, 2024).

This is Michael’s third season with iPalpiti.

SHERZOD ABDIEV / UZBEKISTAN-SWITZERLAND

Violinist / “Special iPalpiti Prize” recipient 2025

Sherzod Abdiev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1999 and began studying the violin at age 6. He was accepted to and graduated from the College at Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, studying with L. Slavyanova from 2014-2018. Winner of the first prize in the All-Russian “Merzlyakovka priglashaet” competition in Moscow (2018), in his home country he was the soloist with the state Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan in Tashkent at age 19, playing Khachaturian Concerto.

From 2019–2023 Sherzod continued his studies YST Conservatory of Music in Singapore under Professor Qian Zhou, and currently studies with Professor Sergey Orstrovsky at Haute Ecole de Music Geneva Neuchâtel.

In 2025, Sherzod received first prize in the III Marine Iashvili International Competition in Tbilisi, Georgia,third prize at 13thMarie Cantagril International Violin Competition in Toulouse, France, and as a finalist at 65th Markneukirchen International Violin competition, “Special iPalpiti Artists International Prize” awarded by the jury/Professor Eduard Schmieder.

He has participated in masterclasses with Ilya Kaler, Dora Schwarzberg, Shlomo Mintz, Dmitry Berlinskiy, Krzysztof Wegrzyn, Koichiro Harada, Tatiana Samuil, Sarah Nemtanu, Guillaume Chileans and took part in the Keshet Eilon Summer Mastercourse 2022 and 2025. Sherzod plays a Petrus Gaggini Violin generously loaned from the Lalive Foundation in Geneva.

This is his first season with iPalpiti.

SAMUEL ALLAN-CHAPKOVSKI / IRELAND-ESTONIA 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 a software developer for companies in Canada, Ireland and is working toward his bachelor’s in science in mathematics at Indiana University. Samuel currently lives in both Estonia and Ireland, where he shares his love for music performing solo and in chamber ensembles with his work in science.

This is Samuel’s second season with iPalpiti

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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. During his college years he studied with professors Takashi Shimizu, Sungsic Yang, Eszter Perenyi, and Pierre Amoyal. He was accepted and studied with Professor Eduard Schmieder in his international class Artist Diploma program at the Boyer College of Music at Temple University in Philadelphia.

As participant in international music festivals, he performed at Mozarteum Salzburg, IBLA Sicily, and at iPalpiti festival of international laureates in Los Angeles. At present, in addition to his solo performing career in Japan, Takamori holds an associate violinist position at Musashino University of Music in Tokyo.

This is his 5th season with iPalpiti.

KAMILA BYDLOWSKA / POLAND

Violinist

Described as “a true musician of today’s generation” (Lark Reviews), Polish-born and London-based violinist Kamila Bydlowska performs as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborator across multiple genres.

She has appeared in venues and festivals in Europe, Asia and America, including the Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Conway Hall, Jazz Cafe, iTunes Festival in London, Holywell Rooms in Oxford, KIOI Hall in Tokyo, Tengiz Amirejibi International Music Festival in Tbilisi, Georgia; iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates in Los Angeles, Midem Festival in Cannes, UK International Tango Festival and London Electronic Arts Festival.

Kamila made the world-first recordings of the Violin Concertos by the 20th Century British composers William Wordsworth and Arnold Griller with Liepaja Symphony Orchestra (Latvia) on the Toccata Classics label, released in August 2019 and January 2021. Other recent solo concerto engagements include Bruch, Sibelius, Bartok, Szymanowski, Arnold, and Ethel Smyth.

She broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM (UK), WNYC (New York), RAI (Italy) & Japanese TV. Winner of multiple awards, Kamila is the recipient of the Ministry of Culture of Poland Scholarship and Artistic Excellence Award from Indiana University.

Born in Slupca, central Poland into a family of non-musicians, at seven she started to play the violin and went

on to study on a full scholarship at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, USA with Mauricio Fuks and Kevork Mardirossian and Royal College of Music in London with Ani Schnarch.

Kamila was first selected to join iPalpiti in 2012.

RUSLAN DASHDAMIROV / AZERBAIJAN Violinist

Ruslan Dashdamirov, born in 1999, is an Azerbaijani violinist and composer. This spring, Ruslan completed his Master of Music degree in Violin Performance in the international class of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University’ Boyer College of Music in Philadelphia where he is currently pursuing his 2nd Master’s in String Pedagogy.

Ruslan began playing violin at the age of eight; he studied at Glinka State Conservatory in Novosibirsk, Russia, where he developed a strong foundation in violin performance and classical repertoire.

A laureate of international competitions, Ruslan has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer in various concert venues and musical projects.

He has performed with the State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev and was also a member of the Baku Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with different orchestral and chamber ensembles in Azerbaijan and abroad, including performances in the Diaghilev Festival and the Trans-Siberian Festival in Russia, and the New York Summit Music Festival.

His artistic interests include violin performance, chamber music, composition, pedagogy, and the integration of Azerbaijani musical traditions into contemporary artistic practice.

Alongside his performing career, Ruslan is also active as a composer and interdisciplinary artist, exploring themes of cultural identity, memory, and performance through music and collaborative projects. He is particularly interested in building bridges between Azerbaijani musical heritage and the international classical music scene.

This is Ruslan’s first season with iPalpiti.

LINA

JUKNEVIC ˘ IU ˉ TE ˙ / LITHUANIA Violinist

Lithuanian violinist Lina Juknevic˘iuˉte˙ has gained recognition in several international competitions, including the Concours International de Alexandre Glazunov in France, the Georg Philipp Telemann Violin Competition in Poland, and the Marine Iashvili International Competition for string instruments in Georgia. In 2021, she won the Grand Prix at the International Balys Dvarionas Competition after the performance of B. Dvarionas’ Violin Concerto with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and awarded “Special iPalpiti Prize,” followed by invitation to the iPalpiti festival of international laureates in Los Angeles in 2022. Since, she has been contributing significantly to the cultural growth in her country

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and was honored with an official Letter of Recognition from the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite˙.

Performing at numerous festivals, including the “Moritzburg Festival”, “Daniel Hope Academy”, “Schumann Junior” in Germany, “Ticino Musica” in Switzerland, “Festival Bled” in Slovenia and others, in 2023, Lina has founded the Camino Lituano music festival, which has become an important classical musical event in Italy.

Together with her sister Rugile˙ Juknevic˘iuˉte˙ and Joanna Goranko she is a member of Trio Songˆado, which recently won the first prize at the “Kiwanis Chamber Music Competition” in Zürich, followed by a debut at the prestigious “Tonhalle Zürich” in 2024.

Lina has pursued her studies in four different countries, enriching her artistry with a diverse range of musical traditions and techniques. She began her violin studies at the National M.K. C ˇ iurlionis School of Arts and under Professor Jurgis Dvarionas at the Lithuanian Academy of Music, continued in London at The Purcell School with Aiste˙ Dvarionaite˙-Beržanskiene˙. In 2021, Lina joined the class of Friedemann Eichhorn at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Germany, and in 2023 at Rudolf Koelman (student of Jascha Heifetz) class in Zurich University of Arts. Privately, she studied under the guidance of Michael Frischenschlager.

A scholarship recipient of the International Music Academy in Liechtenstein, Live Music Now – Yehudi Menuhin, Lyra Foundation, as well as a winner of the EMCY Prize, in 2019 Lina made her debut at the renowned Wigmore Hall and the Southbank Centre in London.

This is her second season with iPalpiti.

OLIVIA JEONGAH KIM / KOREA

Violinist

Based in Los Angeles since 2020, Olivia Kim is an active soloist and chamber musician who performs on the 1708 Antonius Stradivarius.

Since 2007, she has been a member of the Korean Chamber Orchestra, touring extensively across Europe and Korea and collaborating with celebrated musicians at major festivals.

Her discography includes the 2016 album Love Poem, recorded with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra and released under Universal Music.

She has also served on faculty at Hanyang University and Ewha Women’s University.

A prize-winner of numerous international competitions, she has performed as a soloist with major orchestras throughout Korea and Europe. In 2014, she performed Brahms’ Double Concerto with cellist Mischa Maisky at the Beethoven Festival and made her debut at Carnegie Hall to great acclaim.

Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2020, she has performed at prestigious venues including Zipper Hall at the Colburn School, Ambassador Auditorium, and Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Jeongah Olivia Kim holds degrees from Seoul National University, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Southern California.

This is Olivia’s second season with iPalpiti.

JULIA KUZMINA / RUSSIA

Violinist, Violist

Trained in the Russian violin tradition, a graduate of the Novosibirsk State Conservatory, Julia made her solo debut at the age 7. In Novosibirsk she studied under the tutelage of the prominent professor Marina Kuzina-Koifman.

As soloist and an experienced orchestral musician, Julia has performed with orchestras for the audiences worldwide, including prestigious venues such as Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and major concert halls in South Korea and China.

Julia is a winner of top prizes in numerous national and international competitions, including the West-Siberia-East (2015, 2018), the national competition of young ensemble music performers Siberian Musical Assemblies (2013) and the World Art Games (2020) International Music Competition. She has been invited to participate in the Trans-Siberian Art Festival, founded and led by the renowned violinist Vadim Repin, in 2016 and 2017, in XII & XIII International Violin Music Festival and in the U.S. at numerous festivals on the east and west coasts, including New York Summit and iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates in Los Angeles.

As orchestral musician, Julia served as first violinist in the Symphony Orchestra of the Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (2018 to 2021), guest artist of the Khakass Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, assistant principal of the Variety Orchestra of Novosibirsk State Philharmonic, as a member of the string ensemble “Bright Bows”, as a soloist with Collegium Musicum Orchestra in New Jersey, and as concertmaster of Temple University Opera Orchestra.

In the fall 2021 Julia has been accepted into international violin class of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University where she since received Artist Diploma in Violin Performance and Master’s degree in Viola Performance. Winner of the 2026 Beverly Hills National Auditions, Julia – based in Philadelphia – is in high demand as violinist and violist as soloist, chamber, and orchestral artist.

This is her second season with iPalpiti.

TAISIYA LOSMAKOVA / BELARUS-USA

Violinist

Belarusian-born violinist Taisiya Losmakova currently is a New York–based artist since 2024. Born in Brest, in a family of musicians, Taisiya started playing violin at the age of 4. In her formative years at Belarusian State Academy of Music preparatory division from 2010, Taisiya became the laureate of international and national competitions and was a soloist with the Belarusian State Philharmonic performing the Bruch Violin Concerto, continuing her education at the Academy from 2014-2019. With academy’s chamber orchestra, serving as Principal Second Violin, she toured Qatar, Germany, Belgium, and Musica Mundi festival, playing alongside eminent musicians Maxim Vengerov and Misha Maisky.

Taisiya was member of ensemble of soloists of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society and concertmaster of the Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus and recorded solos for CDs of Belarusian artists. At the end of 2021, Taisiya moved to the USA to start the next chapter of her musical path.

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While on the east coast, Taisiya has been performing in various genres –classical solo and chamber recitals, pop, rock, jazz and theater music – with esteemed ensembles and orchestras at the venues including Lincoln Center, the Baryshnikov Arts Center, and the Kimmel Center with a debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2025. As a chamber musician, she has collaborated with Lambert Orkis, Dmitri Berlinsky, Wolfram Koessel, Gleb Ivanov, and appears on the album Frozen Reflections by Nina Siniakova.

Taisiya also curates and produces chamber music projects with organizations such as Gotham Arts, Groupmuse, East West Artistry, the Apollo Society, and in collaborative projects of music and fashion, notably at New York Fashion Week 2026.

Taisiya holds degrees from the Belarusian State Academy of Music (class of Regina Krivel) and Master of Music in Performance from Temple University, where she studied under Professor Eduard Schmieder, whose mentorship has played a significant role in shaping her artistic development.

This is her third season with iPalpiti.

PABLO RAPADO JAMBRINA / SPAIN

Violinist

Pablo Rapado Jambrina is a Spanish violinist born in Zamora, with an established international career as both performer and pedagogue. He received his musical training at leading European institutions, graduating with top honors in violin and chamber music, including the “Premier Prix” in Paris under Jean-Marc Phillips Varjabédian and a Magna Cum Laude distinction from the Maastricht Conservatory, where he studied with Robert Szreder. He later continued his studies in the United States with Albert Markov, supported by a two-year scholarship from Nassau County, New York. His talent was also recognized at the Pablo Sarasate International Violin Competition in Pamplona, where he was awarded in two consecutive editions.

As a performer, he has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in renowned venues such as Merkin Concert Hall and Bargemusic in New York, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, the Konzerthaus Berlin, and the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid as a guest artist of Roby Lakatos, among others, and invited to perform at international festivals in Europe. He has performed on a 1684 Antonio Stradivarius violin at WMP Concert Hall in New York.

Pablo’s orchestral career included leading positions at the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the WDR Funkhausorchester Cologne, where he served as Associate Concertmaster. He has also collaborated with orchestras including the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker, the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, and the Castilla y León Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, he has worked under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Zoltán Kocsis, Pinchas Steinberg, and Adam Fischer.

Alongside his performing career, Pablo Rapado is a dedicated and experienced teacher. Working with advanced and professional-level students, he has taught at institutions such as the Centro Superior Katarina Gurska in Madrid, as well as at international festivals including “Cordes et Pics” in France. His pedagogical approach is highly individualized, with each lesson tailored to the specific needs, goals, and artistic identity of the student. Rather than adhering to a fixed school or methodology, he adapts his teaching to the physical characteristics and natural physiology of each player. He places strong emphasis on building a solid technical foundation, while also developing stage presence and preparing students for auditions and professional

performance contexts.

His artistry has been praised by leading musicians, including violinist Alexander Markov, who described him as “a wonderful violinist”, and Jean-Marc Phillips Varjabédian, who considers him “one of the most talented violinists of his generation.” He currently performs on an Enrico Melegari violin, generously loaned by Peter Biddulph.

Pablo first was selected to join iPalpiti in 2013.

VERONIKA SVESHNIKOVA / RUSSIA Violinist

Veronika Sveshnikova is a passionate violinist whose musical journey began with the violin at just four years old in Russia. Over the years, she has been performing as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra member across Europe and Asia. Bachelor’s and Master’s graduate with honors from the Novosibirsk State Conservatory, she has received top prizes at major national and international competitions. Her career has brought her onstage with some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Pinchas Zukerman, Vadim Repin, Daniil Trifonov, Pablo Ferrández, Misha Maisky, and Barry Douglas, and under the direction of conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Paavo Järvi, Maxim Vengerov, Vladimir Spivakov, and Tugan Sokhiev.

From 2015 to 2020, Veronika held roles as assistant principal in the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, faculty at the Novosibirsk Special Music School, and a leader of a violin ensemble. During 20202024 she served in the First Violin section of the Russian National Youth Symphony Orchestra and been an artist at various international music festivals. Alongside performance, she participated in masterclasses with leading violinists and educators, including Maxim Vengerov, Gidon Kremer, Vadim Repin, Vladimir Tretyakov, Adam Kostetzki and Boris Kushnir. With the goal of furthering her education and artistic development, Veronika applied and was accepted in the international class of Professor Eduard Schmieder at Temple University in Philadelphia where she completed her 2nd Master’s and currently is in DMA program, while continuing her performance career. Whether performing in grand concert halls or intimate chamber settings, she holds the idea of making the world a better place through the power of music.

This is Veronika’s first season with iPalpiti.

YUAN TIAN / CHINA

Violinist

Born in Harbin, the city of the unique musical atmosphere, Tian began learning violin at the age of three with his father and had his first public performance at the age of four. At 7, he entered the Harbin Children’s Palace High School Symphony Orchestra and was considered the exceptional youngest first violin player there. In 2008 Tian received the highest scholarship to Beijing’ primary school of Central Conservatory of Music to study with the famous violin teacher Lin Yaoji. In 2011, Tian gave a solo concert in the Harbin concert hall, performing 11 solo compositions and the virtuosic Vieuxtemps’s Fourth Violin Concerto, with critics raving “… the pride of the city of music, this warm night, due to Tian Yuan’s

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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 was selected to the NYO-China Youth Symphony Orchestra world concert tours 2017- 2019, performing in the US Carnegie Hall with conductor Ludovic Morlot and pianist Yuja Wang, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, and on European tour including Germany, United Kingdom (also featured in piano trio at the Chinese Embassy), and Italy.

Tian participated and performed in festivals’ concerts at Mittenwald, Brescia, Prague, New York, Bolzano etc. 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.

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.

In May 2024, Yuan Tian achieved a significant milestone by earning his Master of Music degree from Temple University. He continues his musical journey by pursuing DMA under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Eduard Schmieder, on a full scholarship through the Emily & Arthur Crosby Award.

This is his third season with iPalpiti.

DIEGO ZAPATA GALLARDO / 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 at 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’s degree in Juan N Corpas University, in Bogotá, Colombia, followed by an Artist Diploma at the Richard Wagner Conservatory in Vienna and a Performance Certificate the University of Kansas. In 2021, Diego graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas under Professor David Colwell.

Diego took part and performed in numerous international festivals, 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 was invited numerous times as a soloist 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.

NJORD KÅRASON FOSSNES/NORWAY

Violist / “Special iPalpiti Prize” recipient 2025

Njord Kårason Fossnes (b. 2001) is a rising star in the classical music world, both as violist and composer. Graduate of the New England Conservatory in Boston under the renowned Kim Kashkashian (2024), Fossnes achieved remarkable milestones in his young career. Prize-winner in numerous competitions, Njord has earned accolades from the Midgard and Virtuoso & BelCanto Competitions, second prize at the inaugural Hindemith International Viola Competition in 2021, and at 22 was performing and leading his own arrangement of Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Munich Chamber Orchestra.

He has also appeared as a soloist in Bartok Viola Concerto, Mozart Sinfonia Concertante and Hindemith Kammermusik 5 with Peter Tilling and HSO München, Kurt Atterberg’s Suite for violin, viola and orchestra with Norwegian Radio Orchestra.

Njord frequently invited to play with some of the leading chamber orchestras in Europe such as the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Bern which has led to tours in Shanghai, Norway and Switzerland.

Silver medal winner at 2023 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition with Quartet Luminera, Njord has been performing at the prestigious chamber festivals in the States and Europe including Marlboro Music Festival, Cleveland ChamberFest, and Caramoor Evnin Rising Stars.

From a young age, Njord has always been an avid composer. His works have been commissioned and played at Ose Kammerspel in Norway and PULSAR festival in Copenhagen, and in 2018 his orchestra piece Etyde was performed by the Oslo Philharmonic.

Currently, Njord lives in Copenhagen where he pursues a master at the Royal Danish Academy of Music with Asbjørn Nørgaard, violist in the acclaimed Danish String Quartet. He plays on a Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Piacenza 1745 viola, generously on loan from Anders Sveaas’ Charitable Foundation.

This is Njord’s first season with iPalpiti as a “Special iPalpiti Prize” recipient at the 65th Markneukirchen International Violin-Viola competition in 2025.

“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

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FRANCISCO VILA / ECUADOR

Cellist

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

— The Strad Magazine

Francisco Vila performance career as a soloist and chamber musician spans Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where he has captivated audiences with his artistry, depth and unique sound.

Francisco’s collaborations highlight his versatility performing alongside celebrated artists such as Gary Hoffman, Cho-Liang Lin, Maria João Pires, Nobuko Imai, and members of the Juilliard String Quartet, among others.

His artistic journey has been shaped under the mentorship of iconic musicians, including Gary Hoffman at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium, and the legendary cellist Janos Starker at Indiana University who described him as “an exceptionally talented young cellist and musician. He is heading for an important place in the world of music.”

Making his orchestral debut at the age of 14, he has appeared as a soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the Houston Symphony, the Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, the Liège Royal Philharmonic, the Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia, Aalborg Symphonyorkester, Denmak (where he also was a Principal Cellist), Mexico National Orchestra, the Santander Festival Orchestra, and all principal orchestras in his native Ecuador, among others. Vila also performed the premiere of the cello concerto “Espejos en la Arena” of the Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, in the United States.

Winner of the second prize at the Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan in 2012, Francisco’s career included a fellowship at the prestigious Ravinia Steans Music Institute and guest artist appearances at international festivals. 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 radio broadcast recitals, Mozarteum Salzburg, and international tours.

Viewing teaching as an important aspect in music-making, in 2015, Vils founded the first 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.

He performs on a cello made by Vincenzo Panormo in 1790 and the “ex-Janos Starker” Edward Tubbs bow.

Francisco has been a member of iPalpiti since 2009.

iPalpiti has played an important role in my musical life since I was 19. I met the Schmieders at the sommerakademie in Salzburg and, on recommendation of Gary Hoffman, my professor there, was invited to participate in the festival in Los Angeles. It was the first time I had been in a group with musicians of the highest caliber from all around the world. \ It opened my eyes to the flexibility, the power of intimacy in sound and the way a string orchestra can sound like no other under the direction of a true artist like Maestro Schmieder. This and all following seasons being in LA with my colleagues has felt like coming back to my musical home each time.

It will remain in my memory as the best music-making in a string orchestra that I’ve ever experienced.

FRANCISCO VILA

www.franciscovilacellist.com

ALEXANDER MILOVANOV / BELARUS-USA Guitar

Alexander Milovanov is one of the most prominent classical guitarists of his generation, recognized for captivating audiences with profound musical insights and stunning virtuosity. Alexander has performed numerous solo recitals internationally and in major cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore, Austin, and Saint Petersburg, Russia. As soloist with orchestras his performances include Los Angeles Sinfonietta Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Winner of the top prizes in major competitions, including the International Concert Artist Competition of the Guitar Foundation of America and the Boston GuitarFest International Competition, he won Silver Medal in the professional category of the Vienna International Music Competition, where he competed with classical string players, and was the first solo classical guitarist to win the prestigious Beverly Hills National Auditions.

An active solo performer in Greater Los Angeles, Alexander has been a guest artist in several prestigious concert series New York and New Jersey, including Kean Concert Artists and Bedford Chamber Concerts.

In addition to formal concerts, Alexander has also performed numerous community outreach performances and benefit concerts. Dr. Milovanov is a faculty member at the French Conservatory of Music in Beverly Hills, CA and also teaches at the South Bay Guitar Academy in Torrance, CA, which he founded.

Alexander holds a Master of Music from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, the Artist Diploma from Yale University School of Music as a full scholarship and fellowship recipient under the guidance of Benjamin Verdery, and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin under the guidance of Adam Holzman.

Originally from Belarus, Alexander has been a U.S. citizen since 2010. In 2025, Alexander was inducted as an “Honored Listee” by Marquis Who’s Who. Alexander’s association with iPalpiti began in 2021, working with artists during the festivals, and performing in guitar ensembles.

It brings me immense joy and a deep sense of gratitude to return to the iPalpiti. This festival has always held a special place in my heart—not only for the extraordinary level of artistry, but also for the profound sense of community it fosters among musicians from all around the world.

I feel truly honored to once again collaborate with the exceptional duo of Maestro Eduard and Laura Schmieder. Maestro Eduard is a remarkable inspiration—not just for violinists, but for all musicians and every listener fortunate enough to experience his vision. His musical wisdom is matched only by his generosity of spirit. Together with Laura, whose tireless devotion and empathy have touched so many, they have created a rare and beautiful environment where talent is nurtured with both excellence and compassion.

To be part of this global musical family is a true gift. I look forward to every note, every rehearsal, every moment of shared creation with friends old and new.

YURY REVICH

ECHO Klassik and International Classical Music Awards Winner UNICEF Austria Ambassador

Eco-Conscious Musician and Artist.

office@yuryrevich.com | www.yuryrevich.com

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

- AVAILABLE FOR SALE AFTER CONCERTS -

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: Professor, Royal Northen College of Music, London Founder of the Scandinavian Cello School, director of his own festival in South France, solo artist…

Each time I reunite with iPalpiti—whether through the creation of music or simply in shared presence—I am gifted a new heartbeat. It is a feeling like no other: a deep, resonant joy that grows stronger with every rehearsal, every performance, every embrace of our beloved iPalpiti family.

At the very heart of this experience are Eduard and Laura Schmieder—mentors, visionaries, and tireless supporters whose boundless dedication to music and us ~ their artists ~ have opened countless musical doors for me. Through their passion and generosity, they have woven together an extraordinary tapestry of international musicians, creating what can only be described as an interstellar musical family—one that I am endlessly grateful to be part of since day one.

If I were to describe iPalpiti in just two words, they would be: mutual love and mutual heartbeats. These are the core of what makes this festival organization so magical. Through music, iPalpiti artists form unique, enduring friendships that transcend time and distance.

The musical and life lessons I’ve learned under Maestro Eduard’s guidance are truly priceless. His musical wisdom and genius artistry continue to inspire and shape me as a musician and as a human being. I am forever thankful to have crossed paths with both Eduard and Laura, whose presence in my life has been nothing short of transformative.

SVETLANA SMOLINA

Concert Pianist www.svetlanasmolina.com

Director, Piano program at the Philadelphia International Music Festival

Faculty: Irvine Valley College and London Performing Academy of Music

Soon after graduating high school, I vividly remember my first time joining iPalpiti—22 years ago, in 2004—as if it were yesterday. It was my first international music festival far from home, and I found myself surrounded by a stellar group of musicians representing at least a dozen countries. I felt immense pride at having been selected, along with a sense of overwhelm. I couldn’t believe the sound, the musicianship, and the passion that emanated from these incredible souls—many of whom I’m still privileged to call friends to this day.

From the shores of the Red Sea in Israel to the freshwater lakes of Slovenia, the enchanting forests of Taos, New Mexico, and the glamorous streets of Beverly Hills, I’ve had the immeasurable privilege of seeing and experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful places—sharing music and culture with remarkable people, alongside some of the brightest musicians. I owe many thanks for these magical experiences to the Schmieders and to the supporters of the extraordinary vision that is iPalpiti.

With Maestro Schmieder at the helm, the spirit formed through the collective’s remarkable vision and history lives on—through us, and through the hundreds of exceptional musicians across the globe who have been, and will always be, part of the iPalpiti family.

JUAN-MIGUEL

HERNANDEZ

Guest Professor of Viola, Royal Academy of Music - London

Associate Artistic Director, Festival Del Lago

Former: Fine Arts Quartet, Harlem Quartet www.jmhernandez.com

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

—

Yana & Roman

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

— Donald G. M.(Pres.,

Downey Symphonic Society)

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

— Irene W.

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

— Theresa V.

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

— Larry Z.

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

— Ariane D., ELF

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

— Mark Evans, Delos Records/OWN TV

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

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

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

— Dennis Bade [LA Phil program writer, musicologist]

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

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

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

— Galina Stolina, Journalist, Almanac Panorama

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

— MaryJane Mitchell

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

— Nora O’Connor

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

— Ulrika & Douglas

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

— George, Clark and Katya

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

— Goldstar Audience

Our favorite excerpt “reviews” from young audiences

7th graders from Berendo Middle School:

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

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

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

From Youth-at-Risk:

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

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

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

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

From the Rescue Mission:

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

— Rescue Mission

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

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

Schmieder & Lord Menuhin

Board of Directors

Mikhail Gershfeld, Chairman

Mary Levin-Cutler, Founding Chairman

Ada Sands, Vice Chair

Theodore Bikel, In Memoriam

Stefan Ashkenazy

Lauren Dani

*Founding Advisors, in Memoriam:

Dame Ida Haendel

Lynn Harrell

Igor Oistrakh

Menachem Pressler

Ruggiero Ricci

Karina Canellakis

Julius Berger Gary Karr

Cho-Liang Lin

Marsalis Yefin Bronfman

James 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

Angel Romero Kian Soltani

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

Joseph Karz

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 29th 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

• $250 iPalpiti VIBES

• $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.

Scan this QR code with your phone camera to make a donation instantly through PayPal!

Name Address

E-Mail address

Please put me on the mailing list for current events.

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Enclosed, please find my: Pledge Contribution In the amount of $ Check - Please make checks payable to iPalpiti Artists International

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

MAESTRO CIRCLE

($50,000 - $100,000)

Joyce & Aubrey Chernick

LAUREATE CIRCLE

($5,000 - $18,000)

Hon. Judge Chistine Byrd

Mary Levin Cutler

County of Los Angeles Arts Commission

De Marchena-Huyke Foundation / David Niemetz & Noriko Tachibana

Global Engagement Fund, Temple University

Anita Lorber

Ada Sands

Laura & Eduard Schmieder

Jonathan Steinberg & Dr. Buf C. Meyer

Robert R. Stroker, Dean/ Boyer College of Music

Vice Provost for the Arts, Temple University

BENEFACTORS ($1,000+)

Dr. Guita Balakhane

Nell Cady-Kruse

Lauren Dani Chung

Community Foundation SCC/ Lowenstern Fund

Dr. Hai-Lung Dai

Dr. Gabriel & Nava Danovitch

Valerie Field

Susan & Charles Avery Fisher

Dr. Bernard Franklin

Mikhail & Tonia Gershfeld

Jenny Grigor & Boris Grinshteyn

Donna & Emil Kasseinov

Jonathan Kaufelt & Holly Corn

Monte Lemann & CC Pulitzer-Lemann

Ronald Ozur

George Pao / John S.

Cambouris Trust

Harold & Lennie Schloss

Hon. Judge Harold Shabo

Ali Vahdani

Anna Volkoff & Norman Rachitsky

Annette & Herb Wolas

PATRONS

($500+)

Gary Baker

Robert & Deborah Barnes

David and Nancy Brigstock

Ariane David

Judy Farrell

Stewart Feuer

James Gilliam

Liza Glazer

Zhenya Gershman

James Murray & Nicola Grant

Margaret Houck

Dr. Gary & Victoria Klein

Lyrica Leon

Anna & Vladimir Levin

Drs. Alexander & Julia Ljubimov

Anne Louise Rice

Regina Rogers

William Schneider

Barbara Smith

iPalpiti VIBES $250 +

Rita & Samuel Abarbanel

Karolina Albertson

Linda Bame

Tim Barker

Corrine Cahlon

Dr. Peter & Jo-Ann Cornell

Daniel Dorado

Rachel Field

James Gilliam

Lianne Halfon

John Herzog

Gordon Josey

Jay Lite

Fred Manaster

Dr. Lana Milton

Ora & Jeffrey Nadrich

Stephen Palitz

Deborah Podus

Irene Red

Natalia & Marat Rosenberg

Sarah Schlesinger

Thereza Verboon

David & Scarlette Vogel

David Walker

Amanda Wee

Stephen & Julie Webber

PARTNERS

($100+)

Lina Akopians

Richard Baum

Shahryar Balakhani

Sylvie Berl

Gideon Bernstein

Stephan Brumberg

Paul Czako

Catherine Deugarte

Susan Dubner

Jason Eisenberg

Karen Fishman

Laura Aimee Garn

Cristina Garcia

Goldstein Seija

Rachel & Israel Gorinstein

Lynne Hayashi

Elizabeth Kanski

Mara Kashper

Elena Katz

Olivia Kim

Sara Kinder

Esfir Lebovich

Thomas Lee

Loida Nicolas Lewis

Rosy Macarah

Suzanne Mantell

Tina & Charles Miller

Agi Orsi

Wanda Presburger

Toni Rabin

Ellen Rienstra

Howard Sands

Michael Shaw

Yana & Roman Shukman

Dr. Charles & Brenda Solomon

Michael Steinfeld

Galina Stolina

Abby Suckle

Adam Summer

Courtney Tuttle

Zi Wang

Dorothy Weiss

Rachel Yadegar

FRIENDS & ASSOCIATES

($75 & UNDER)

Lidya Averbukh

Thomas Backer

Stefan Ashkenazy | Petit Ermitage

Severyn Ashkenazy & Princess

Irina Sayn-Wittgenstein | Host

Thomas Backer, PhD | Consultant

Blume Tonic Events | Lorenzo Munos

Inna Berger

Irene Bowers

Leonid Bychkovsky

Judith Collas

Judith Delafield

Lola Gershfield

Zhenya Gershman

Derek & Marsha Gleeson

Joan Goldfeder

Susan Greenberg

Zafirios Gourgouliatos

Milton Hyman

Thomas Johansen

Lianne Jedeikin Goldsmith

Laura Kelly

Val Kelman

Boris Komarov

Yelena Krutikova

Leah Lapidus

Lynda & Stan Levy

IN-KIND

City of Beverly Hills

Susan & Chip Avery Fisher | Host

Vladi Khiterer Inc. | Legal

Helena & Stanley Kolodziey | Host

Dina & Fred Leeds | Host

Semyon Losmakov | IT support

VOLUNTEERS

Anders Lykke

Fred Manaster

Roz Pepper

Michael Shaw

Marcia Sherrill

Neal Siegel

Ilana Silverman

Milada & Fero Sutka

Natalya Tarakanov

Leda Tcharfas

Galina Tsoyrev

Sharon Wiener

Helen Youngblood

July 2025 – June 2026

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

Sands & Associates LLC

Harold Schloss | IT support

Naomi & David Schoenkin | Host

Oleg Schramm | Piano Tuner

Flo Selfman | PR, Editing

Thereza Verboon | Host

Anna Volkoff, CPA

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

Linda Bame

Alla Feldman

Rada Konvisser

Esfir Lebovich

Flo Selfman

Galina Vaisman

Thank you to the city of Beverly Hills for its continuing support since 1998!

Arts & Culture Community Services Department:

Matthew Brown

Stephanie Harris

Christopher Paulson

Sara Scrimshaw

Mayor: Hon. Craig A. Corman

Vice Mayor: Mary N. Wells

Councilmembers: Sharona R. Nazarian PSYD, Lester Friedman, John A. Mirish

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 63 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 26 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.”

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

They take diversity and make harmony. If the world only understood how important that is.

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