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Cho-Liang Lin Takes Center Stage at Fresno State University Violin Festival

The Fresno State University Violin Festival is set to be a remarkable event featuring the internationally celebrated violinist Cho-Liang Lin. Scheduled for March 21-22, 2025, this festival promises to deliver a thrilling combination of performances and educational opportunities, celebrating the exquisite artistry and teaching style of Lin.

Lin's appearance is part of a two-day engagement designed to showcase his exceptional musical versatility. The festival will kick off on the evening of March 21 with a Faculty Chamber Music Concert starting at 7:30 PM in the elegant Fresno State Concert Hall. This concert will highlight two pivotal works in the chamber music canon: Brahms' String Quintet and Dvořák's String Quintet. Lin will join forces with Fresno State faculty members, including prominent violinist Limor Toren-Immerman and cellist Thomas Loewenheim, to deliver these masterpieces in an intimate setting that fosters both artistry and connection between performers and audience.

In addition to the evening concert, Lin will offer public masterclasses on both days of the festival from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These sessions, held in the Wahlberg Recital Hall and Concert Hall, will delve into advanced string techniques, interpretative strategies, and phrasing within the context of the Romantic era repertoire. Young musicians will gain valuable insights through Lin's guidance, as he emphasizes authenticity in expression over mere technical correctness.

The festival culminates on Saturday, March 22, with an exciting Gala Concert, where Lin will captivate audiences with Tchaikovsky's iconic Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Conducted by Thomas Loewenheim, this performance is anticipated to showcase not only Lin's technical prowess but also his profound emotional interpretation of the music. The artistic excellence projected through Lin's performance is expected to resonate deeply with attendees, amplifying the festival's impact.

Thomas Loewenheim, director of the Fresno State Violin Festival, noted, "This festival exemplifies our dual commitment to artistic innovation and community service. By bringing artists of Cho-Liang Lin's caliber into our pedagogical framework, we elevate the technical prowess of our students while enriching Fresno's cultural landscape."

Lin's long-standing relationship with Fresno State can be traced back to previous engagements, notably the 2019 Cello│Fresno Festival, where he played a pivotal role as a mentor for competition winners and collaborated closely with faculty. His educational philosophy, emphasizing emotional connection over mere technical perfection, aligns seamlessly with Fresno State's mission to develop well-rounded musicians.

Event Details

• - Date & Time:

- March 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM: Faculty Chamber Music Concert featuring Brahms and Dvořák String Quintets
- March 21-22, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Public Masterclasses and Workshops
- March 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM: Gala Concert featuring Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major

• - Location:

- Concert Hall and Wahlberg Recital Hall, Fresno State University

• - Tickets:

- $20 general admission, discounts available for university employees and seniors, with free admission for Fresno State students.

Some festival events may also be livestreamed, allowing a wider audience to partake in this extraordinary artistic experience.

Moreover, the festival will include a Young Participants' Ensemble consisting of pre-college and undergraduate musicians who will have the opportunity to rehearse alongside Lin and other faculty members. This initiative aims to cultivate mentorship relationships, enhancing the educational aspect of the festival. The event also boasts local partnerships with organizations such as Youth Orchestras of Fresno and the Gottschalk Music Center, reflecting its commitment to reaching underserved communities.

About Cho-Liang Lin

Cho-Liang Lin has been a transformative figure in classical music since his stunning debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1980, under the baton of Zubin Mehta. Known for his expressive performances on either a 1715 "Titian" Stradivarius or a contemporary 2000 Samuel Zygmuntowicz violin, Lin has been instrumental in commissioning new works from renowned composers. As a dedicated educator, he has contributed to the musical growth of students at prestigious institutions including The Juilliard School and Rice University.

About Fresno State University Violin Festival

The Fresno State University Violin Festival is an annual tradition that showcases the university’s commitment to string education and the performance arts. Merging world-class performances, educational opportunities, and community involvement, the festival aims to enrich the cultural fabric of Central California, offering emerging musicians crucial interaction with distinguished faculty and guest artists.

In this spirit of collaboration and creativity, the Fresno State University Violin Festival with Cho-Liang Lin promises to be a pivotal event for musicians and audiences alike, inspiring future generations and celebrating the artistry of strings.