A long journey to success for gifted young cellist
"There was never a defining moment when I decided to be a musician, it simply grew out of a high school education where I had a large number of interests," recalls Victoria Simonsen.
The fact that the brilliant young New Zealand cellist, who comes to York's Sir Jack Lyon's Concert Hall next Friday, was remarkably talented, became more than obvious when I reviewed her appearance as cellist of the Groves Piano Trio in a Ryedale Festival concert a couple of years ago.
That has been enhanced over the past years when she has delighted Opera North audiences as leader of the orchestra's cello section.
"I realised when I was 19 that I had to leave New Zealand to continue my studies in an environment where I could at first hand hear and work with the world's leading cellists.
"Scholarships gave me the choice of studying in North America or England. That inevitably brought me to Manchester's Royal Northern College where the staff have some of the world's most outstanding teachers, embellished each year with a Cello Festival where many legendary names appear."
There she enjoyed two of today's most highly acclaimed mentors, Karine Georgian and Ralph Kirshbaum, completing her five years of studies at the college with an invitation to join Opera North.
"It has been a period that I have thoroughly enjoyed and has given me an insight into a career as an orchestral musician. But I am not sure that is what I want, and now I am savouring the many opportunities that are on offer in London."
The newly formed Barbirolli Quartet brings her back into contact with the violinist from the Groves Trio, and she is hoping this ensemble will give her an extended taste of life as a chamber musician.
For her York recital she has chosen an extremely demanding programme, including two of the most popular cello sonatas by Debussy and Shostakovich, and music by Janacek and Schumann. She is partnered by the pianist, Ben Powell.
Victoria Simonsen, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York, Jan 11, 8pm. 01904 644194. www.bms-york.org.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page- Video: Deadline Day Live (the final hours)
- Leeds United close in on late transfer window signing
- Gary Speed sent suicide text to wife - but coroner says he may have ‘nodded off’ with noose around neck
- Have your say: Who should succeed Simon Grayson at Leeds United?
- Grayson sheds a tear over Leeds departure: First reaction to sacking
- Gingrich tipped for Florida battering
- £50bn ‘Boris Island’ airport plans step closer
- Tributes to father as Children in Need comedy act turns to tragedy
- Doncaster Rovers 0 Cardiff City 0: Rovers are united in common survival cause, says Coppinger
- Leeds refuse to be rushed into naming Grayson replacement
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
