YMS announces new roster of Associate Musicians
We are excited to announce violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani as new YMS Associate Artists and composer Alexey Shor as the School’s first Associate Composer.
The associate musicians will visit the School several times a year and work with pupils in a variety of guises, including one-to-one lessons, masterclasses, chamber music coaching and as guest performers with the Senior Orchestra. They join violist and conductor Maxim Rysanov who was announced as the School’s first Associate Artist earlier this year.
Alexander Sitkovetsky said: “I have a strong connection to YMS and Yehudi Menuhin. Lord Menuhin offered me a place at the School, and was the reason I relocated to the UK where I’ve been based ever since. Lord Menuhin was an inspiration for me throughout my eight years at the school and I am looking forward to continuing his work, by performing with the pupils, and playing an active role in further developing their musicianship.”
Mahan Esfahani said: “I’m so delighted by the opportunity to join the larger artistic conversation with the young people and the staff at YMS alike and to deepen the conversation between different instruments and ways of looking at music.”
Alexey Shor said: “YMS is one of the best music schools in the world, and I'm deeply honoured to be invited to be the School's Associate Composer. I'm thrilled that I will have a chance to see the school's students work on my compositions, and I am looking forward to their insights and interpretations.”
The School’s Director of Music, Ashley Wass, said “Alexander and Mahan are not only world-class musicians and instrumentalists, but they are also wonderful communicators, with a diverse range of talents and interests which set them apart as truly well-rounded artistes. We’re honoured that they are committed to building such close links with YMS, and I’m sure they’ll prove to be inspirational figures, both for students and staff, for many years to come.
Alexey’s arrival as the School’s Associate Composer marks an exciting moment for YMS. I was privileged to receive an invitation to play his Piano Sonata earlier in the year, and was immediately struck by the exceptional craftsmanship of the work. This is 21st Century music which is distinctive, communicative, and deeply moving, and I’m hugely excited at the prospect of our pupils having the opportunity to explore Alexey’s musical oeuvre."
Maxim Rysanov and Mahan Esfahani will be performing with YMS pupils as part of the Autumn/Winter Season at The Menuhin Hall. Rysanov brings the year to a close with a Winter Festival Finale concert on Wednesday 14 December at 7.30pm and Esfahani closes the whole season with a concert on Thursday 23 February at 7.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.menuhinhall.co.uk