Eight young violinists from ZBSM, accompanied by the String Ensemble of the Zurich Chamber Philharmonic, delivered a mesmerizing performance at the 'Virtuoso Violin Music: from Love Dreams to Witches' Sabbaths' concert during the Golden Festival in Herrliberg last week.

For the fourth consecutive year, our violin students have participated in the annual Golden Festival, dedicated exclusively to classical music, in Herrliberg (Switzerland), and showcased some of the most sophisticated pieces from the violin’s rich repertoire. Additionally, this concert marks the second consecutive year of our collaboration with the String Ensemble of the Zurich Chamber Philharmonic at the event.

All festival concerts are traditionally held at the Herrliberg church, which can accommodate up to 300 people. This year, like the previous three, the church was filled to capacity with classical music enthusiasts, and its hallowed halls resonated with their passion and anticipation.

After an inspiring introduction delivered by Dr. Marc Blessing, our school President and a dedicated classical music lover, the divine notes filled the sacred church hall. The audience was immersed in a world of intricate compositions by Henryk Wieniawski, Pablo de Sarasate, Niccolò Paganini, and Antonin Dvorak.

Despite the very young age, our virtuosic soloists gave a breathtaking performance marked by emotional depth and sheer technical prowess. As Sophie Branson concluded the concert with the ‘Brilliant Fantasy on Faust for Violin and Orchestra by Gounod’, one of the most beloved and impressive classical music pieces ever composed, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and a chorus of bravoes.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maestro Stefan Tarara, an alumnus of Professor Bron, and the charismatic concertmaster of the orchestra, for supporting our promising young talents by his contagious enthusiasm and exceptional playing.

We also wish to express our deep appreciation to Ulrich Stüssi, the founder and director of the festival, who dedicated countless hours to meticulously orchestrate a multitude of arrangements. Through his efforts, he breathed life into this magnificent event, gracing it with its beauty and grandeur.

Additionally, we are immensely thankful to our school President, Dr. Marc Blessing, whose unwavering support and dedication have been the driving force behind this project from its very inception. We deeply value your support and generosity, and we are profoundly grateful for your contributions!

Finally, we would like to convey our profound gratitude to our esteemed violin teachers, Alexander Kuznetsov, Inna Khriplovich and Liana Tretyakova, for guiding and shaping the next generation of the Swiss violin virtuosos, listed here in order of appearance at the concert: Emanuel Reinhardt, Vlada Sabella, Nina Gringolts, Nikita Koller, Kimia Corke, Aurea Wang, Alexandra Taub and Sophie Branson. Sincere congratulations to all of you, and our heartfelt wishes for continued artistic success!

Photo credit: Massimo Sabella