Concerts
Performances and Events
Performances and Events
Enjoy some videos of the James M. Collier Siskiyou Violins
In deciding to become an independent formally established organization and pursue 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the James M. Collier Siskiyou Violins expanded to include both an Advanced Ensemble and Juniors Ensemble, totaling over 60 students in the two all violin ensembles. The Extravaganza Concert with three hours of selected music from Carnegie and LA repertoire, as well as some solo and smaller group pieces was held at Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford, OR (the event was sold out).
Bravo to Siskiyou Violins The Rogue Valley is truly an amazing place and, as brand-new residents, we are in awe of the natural beauty around us. Along with taking in the mountains and gorgeous vistas, we attended our first cultural event — The Siskiyou Violins — and were enthralled by the musical artistry presented at the performance. From the first stroke of their bows, it was truly a phenomenal concert presented by these young violinists representing area students from preschool to college. The performance led by Faina Podolnaya showcased the ensemble’s recent concerts they presented at Disney Hall in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall in New York City. As our musical family sat in the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, we immediately realized this was no ordinary violin recital. The Siskiyou Violins play with the artistry, musicality, impeccable intonation, amazing sound, passion, confidence and stage presence that we have heard at major conservatory preparatory schools such as The Juilliard School, the Cleveland Institute of Music or the New England Conservatory. So, bravo to Faina and the Siskiyou Violins. Keep practicing. Wait … I guess you already know the way to Carnegie Hall! — Mark and Jodi Barnard, Ashland Medford Mail Tribune, 2/15/2009
Approximately 35 James M. Collier Siskiyou Violins students once more received a Gold Medal Award for outstanding performance at World Projects’ International Youth Music Festival held at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA
“Etude – nice opening selection! Good change of tempo & style. Control of tempo – well done! Nice vibrato and excellent contrast in dynamics. Nice pizzicato and bow control – very effective.”
“Congratulations on a beautiful performance! Fandango – outstanding work here especially, the nuances of dynamics, articulation, and style. Brahms – very expressive! Every note is filled with passion! Fine memorization! Great style and attention to musical details!”
“La Cumparasita – great energy and drive. Fandango – wonderful expressive playing. Rag – terrific fiddle!! What a thrill and a pleasure it was to hear you!!”
The unique all violin ensemble of approximately 36 Siskiyou Violins students traveled to New York City to participate in New York Orchestra Festival hosted by World Projects at famous Carnegie Hall. They received a Gold Medal for their performance.
“This group is extremely impressive! Attention to musical details is outstanding. Sound is admirably hearty when required and delicate at other times. You play with a wonderful spectrum of dynamics and tone colors and it is clear that a lot of thought has gone into your performance….”
“Very poised entrance on stage…wonderful stage presence! Good dynamic contrast, phrasing, intonation…. Bravo on the memorization! I can sense that every player is equally important to the ensemble…. Well done!!”
“You are very professional. Beautiful full sounds…. You all have beautiful bow arms. Your selection of music brought great joy to the audience. The spirit in your students is exciting. Congratulations!”