Zara feels proud to play violin melodies in theatre

Zara-Chloë Winter found inspiration in the rich, warm, and beautiful sound of the violin during an assembly at her school. Her love for the instrument grew so strong that she was determined to learn how to play it.

With persistence and the support of her parents, she later registered for violin lessons at Frank’s Music School in Jukskei Park.

Zara started violin lessons at the age of six but was not very committed. She said she was only 10 years old when she changed teachers and moved to Frank Sturgess.

“He was so passionate about the violin that he inspired me to work harder and practise more consistently. My first violin teacher was moving so she recommended that I try out Frank’s Music School. It was the best decision I ever made. I have learnt so much from Frank in the past seven years. His way of teaching works well and he is dedicated to all his students. He has inspired me to be a better musician and I could not have progressed and achieved what I have without Frank.”

Zara is set to perform as a soloist with the Rand Symphony Orchestra in a special youth concert that will take place at the Roodepoort Theatre on June 9.

“I am so excited and keep saying to myself in disbelief, ‘I get to play not just as a member of the orchestra, but as a soloist!’ I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

She has played in the Festival Concert Orchestra, as well as in various ensembles at the Stellenbosch International Music Festival in the last two years. Zara said the festival is taking place again in July this year and she will be auditioning to play in the Festival Symphony Orchestra.

“I also play in Frank’s Music School’s ensemble. My music teacher, Frank Sturgess, and fellow student, Ryo Nitta, and I make up the ensemble and we meet every Sunday to play chamber music. We have just finished working on Dvorak’s Miniatures for two violins and viola and we are currently learning a new piece which is Poulenc’s Improvisation No. 15 in C minor for violin, viola and piano, a homage to Edith Piaf.

“I chose the violin as its sound is so rich, complex and beautiful. The violin is also mentally and physically difficult to play and I enjoy a good challenge. My favourite piece to play on the violin so far is probably the Second movement, the Canzonetta, from Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. I’ve grown up listening to it and now I finally can play it.

“If I were to choose another instrument to play it would be the piano as it has an exquisite and bright sound. The piano also allows you to play multiple instrument parts all at once which is quite different to the violin. I would also not have to worry about intonation as I do as a violinist which would be wonderful.”

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