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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
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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