The thrilling life of a violinist | Agnieszka Kuźma
Denise Azzopardi catches up with the young and talented Polish violinist Agnieszka Kuźma over a quick chat prior to her performance in the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chamber Orchestra Concert 2 where she will feature as soloist
Polish violinist Agnieszka Kuźma will feature as soloist in the MPO’s second Chamber Orchestra Concert
by Denise Azzopardi
When did your relationship with the violin begin, and how did you develop it?
I started playing the violin when I was seven, so that has allowed me to master the instrument considerably. I’m a graduate of the Music Academy in Wroclaw, Poland, and also obtained a Master of Arts with Distinction from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels where I studied under the tutelage of Professor Katalyn Sebestien.
Where has your career as violinist taken you?
It has taken me to a few places, literally! I started out leading the second violins in youth orchestras, such as the Visegrad Youth Orchestra and Junge Deutch-Polnische Philharmonie Niederschlesien, giving concerts in Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. I also joined major Polish orchestras such as ‘Leopoldium’ Chamber Orchestra, and the National Forum of Music Orchestra in Wroclaw, giving concerts in Poland, Germany, Austria, and Belgium. I’ve also played in several chamber music ensembles.
In 2012, I was invited to join the Fundação Orquestra Estúdio Orchestra for the European Capital of Culture 2012 in Guimaraes, Portugal. I am also a member of The World Orchestra, and with them went on a tour in South Africa in 2013, which I can definitely describe as an experience of a lifetime.
What can you tell me about your experience with international competitions?
I’m an International Competition for Young Musicians laureate, having won third prize in Nova Paka, Czech Republic, in 2003. I had also won second prize in the Interpretation Competition in Poznan, Poland, in 1996.
What is your connection with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra?
My history with the orchestra does not go back that long. In fact, I only joined the MPO in November 2014, and my experience playing with them is turning out to be very fruitful and exciting indeed.
The Chamber Orchestra Concert will take place at Robert Sammut Hall in Floriana on February 12 and 13 at 19:30. All concerts at Robert Samut Hall are part of the MPO Loyalty Scheme. Visit www.maltaorchestra.com for more information
