Chapman University freshman and Temianka Violin Scholar Sandra Bouissou was selected as one of only three people from Orange County, and the only college student, to perform in a special masterclass with world-renowned violinist, Pinchas Zukerman on March 18 in Samueli Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts .

Violinist Pinchas Zukerman

Pinchas Zukermann

Hailed for his artistry as both an instrumentalist and conductor, Zukerman has performed and conducted around the world for over 40 decades, and currently serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, now in his ninth season. He was in Orange County to perform with Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 15 – 17, as well as a matinée concert titled “Zukerman Plays Mozart” at 3 p.m. on March 18, followed by the violin masterclass at 5 p.m.

According to Pacific Symphony, the format of the masterclass began with a performance by each student of a selection of their choice, followed by Zukerman’s feedback and coaching on technique, musicianship and other performance factors.

Sandra will perform two more times as concertmaster for The Chapman Orchestra this spring: Opera Chapman’s presentation of the Brecht comic opera Albert Herring, April 20 & 22, and the 44th Annual Sholund Scholarship Concert on May 12. Both events will be held in Musco Center for the Arts. Ticket information is available at chapman.edu/tickets.

“We are thrilled for Sandra’s rare opportunity to learn from such a masterful musician,” said Chapman Director of Strings Studies Professor Robert Becker. “Tutti bravi to Sandra and to Chapman’s Temianka Professor of Violin, William Fitzpatrick, for his work with this wonderful student!”

Initially, Sandra was nominated by Professor Becker to participate in the masterclass. She was then required to submit an audition tape of the piece she would perform, if accepted to the masterclass. Upon review by Zukermann and others at Pacific Symphony, she was invited to the event.

“I chose the Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 for my masterclass audition, which was also my audition piece for The Chapman Orchestra and consequently earned me the concertmaster position. I also worked on the Prokofiev piece for recordings for upcoming summer festivals. Professor Fitzpatrick pushed me to take the piece to the next level.”

 

Photo credit: Cheryl Mazak