Heifetz on Air
Each week, Heifetz On Air presents captivating performances by students, faculty, and alumni of the renowned Heifetz International Music Institute, located in the Staunton, VA. The program is hosted by Benjamin K. Roe, President and CEO of the Heifetz Institute, and a Peabody Award-winning public media veteran. The Heifetz Institute is distinguished by its intensive six-week summer program, which assembles the most promising young musicians from across the globe to study and perform under the tutelage of the premier pedagogues in the field, led by Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen of the Borromeo String Quartet. Each episode of Heifetz on Air focuses on a particular theme, composer, or style, and explores the boundaries of both familiar masterworks and underrepresented repertoire through the dazzling solo performances and inspiring chamber music collaborations captured live on the Heifetz stage. Heifetz On Air is produced in partnership with NPR station WTJU, Charlottesville, VA, and distributed via PRX, the Public Radio Exchange.
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Episodes
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
On this edition, it’s ‘24 Carats,” featuring some golden performances by Heifetz students from the summer of 2024. We’ll hear a fantasy based on Paganini, a Hungarian Rhapsody for cello, a forgotten viola piece plucked from the discard pile, and even Bach’s Chaconne for four violas.
THIS EPISODE’S PLAYLIST
Mendelssohn: String Quintet in A major, Op. 18III. Scherzo. Allegro di moltoItamar Zorman, violin; Yoojin Jang, violin; Caeli Smith, viola; Luther Warren, viola; YiQun Xu, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.21.2024
Nathan Milstein: PaganinianaDinDin Jingfei Wang, violinStaunton Augusta Art Center Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.21.2024
David Popper: Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68Catalina Wooldridge, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.19.2024
Handel: Sonata for Two Cellos in G minor, HWV 393 [excerpt]I. AndanteAntonio Lysy, cello; Mo Mo, cello; Coleman Itzkoff, cello continuo; Andrew Rosenblum, harpsichordFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.10.2016|
Benjamin Dale: Suite for Viola and Piano in D Minor, Op. 2II. RomanceDavin Mar, viola; David Ji, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.24.2024
Holst: Holberg Suite, Op. 40III. Gavotte [excerpt]Kobi Malkin, violin; Rachell Ellen Wong, violin; Stephanie Block, viola; Coleman Itzkoff, celloKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording |12.15.2016
J.S. Bach, arr. Ichiro Nodaira: Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004V. ChaconneStephen Adam Savage, viola; Soren Lorentzen, viola; Hayley Lau, viola; Davin Mar, violaStaunton Augusta Art Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.26.2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
We’ll hear from a trio of beloved Bohemian composers featured on the summer 2024 Heifetz stage - Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Bohuslav Martinů.
THIS EPISODE’S PLAYLIST
Antonín Dvořák: Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90IV. Andante moderatoEvelyn Song, violin; Josiah Yoo, cello; Rita Rovenskaya, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.23.2015
Antonín Dvořák: Romance in F minor, Op. 11Katja Naegele, violin; Jamila Tekalli Hanner, pianoSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.27.2015
Antonín Dvořák: Bagatelles, Op. 47 [excerpt]III. Allegretto scherzandoYezu Woo, violin; Julia Angelov, violin; Coleman Itzkoff, cello; Florence Jowers, harmoniumGreat Hall, Blackburn Inn & Conference Center,Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.26.2021|
Antonín Dvořák: From The Bohemian Forest, Op. 68I. In The Spinning RoomTae Kim, Allison Freeman, piano four-handsFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.2024
Bedřich Smetana: String Quartet No. 1, "From My Life"III. Largo sostenutoMaury String Quartet: Josie Kelleher, violin; Jheng-Yue Chiu, violin; Kenneth Yao, viola; Seah Yu, celloStaunton Augusta Art Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.26.2024
Antonín Dvořák: Rondo in G minor, Op. 94 [excerpt]Zhihao Wu, cello; Jeanette Fang, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.04.2024
Bohuslav Martinů: Cello Sonata No. 1, H. 277Olivia Marckx, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.15.2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
It’s not just Saturday Night Live that has a “five-timers club.” On this episode of Heifetz On Air, we celebrate “The Holdovers,” some of our most accomplished multi-year students.
THIS EPISODE'S PLAYLIST
J.S. Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006III. Gavotte Theo Bockhorst, violinFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.19.2024
Astor Piazzolla: Le Grand TangoKwanyun Loo, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.24.2024
Fritz Kreisler: Tambourin ChinoisEllie Kennedy, violin; Jessica Osborne, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.24.2024
Brahms: Viola Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120, No. 1III. Allegretto graziosoIV. Vivace Adam Savage, viola; Tae Kim, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2024
Beethoven: “Archduke” Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 III. Andante Cantabile [excerpt]Madison Vest, violin; Kevin Mills, cello; Carlos Avila, piano Francis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.15.2015
Alexander Glazunov: Violin Concerto in A minorSoHyun Ko, violin; Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
On this episode, Virtuosi! We’ve got a dizzying array of devilishly difficult works meant to test the mettle of even our most accomplished young artists. There are Paganini Caprices, Beethoven Variations and even a Bottesini Grand Duo on tap, live, in concert, and without a net.
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
This episode features memorable performances by Heifetz players in unusual venues both around town and on the road, …including a New England meeting house, a Civil War ballroom, a Virginia vineyard, and even a former insane asylum!
This Episode’s Playlist
Aaron Copland: Celebration, from Billy the KidMstislav Rostropovich: Humoreske, Op. 5Mo Mo, cello | Hsin-Ciao Liao, pianoJamestown Arts Center, Jamestown, RIHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.24.2015
J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009VI. GigueNoémie Raymond-Friset, celloRobinhood Free Meetinghouse, Georgetown, MEHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.12.2017
Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2I. Allegro con brioYebin Yoo, violin | Jingxuan Zhang, pianoRobinhood Free Meetinghouse, Georgetown, MEHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.24.2019
Ottorino Respighi: Ancient Air and Dances (arr. for string quartet)I. Italiana [excerpt]SoHyun Ko, violin | Minchae Kim, violin | Jerome McCoy, viola | Dilshod Narzillaev, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.16.2022
Turlough O’Carolan: Sí Bheag, Sí MhórNigel Armstrong, violin | Peter Blanchette, guitarThe American Hotel Grand Ballroom, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.17.2018
Mark O’Connor: Appalachia WaltzKenneth Naito, violin | Adam Savage, viola | Jared Blajian, celloBarren Ridge Vineyards, Fishersville, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.25.2021
Arr. Danish Quartet: The Peat DanceTheo Bockhorst, violin | Masato Chang, violin | John Harry Clark, viola | Benjamin Doane, celloBlackburn Inn & Conference Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.19.2021
Jay Ungar: Ashokan FarewellMaura Shawn Scanlin, violin | Robin Williams, guitar | Linda Williams, banjoColonnade Ballroom, Hotel 24 South, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.04.2015
J.S. Bach: Two Part Invention No. 11 in G minor, BWV 782Noémie Raymond-Friset, cello | Marlène Ngalissamy, bassoonHouse performance, Montreal, QuebecHeifetz Institute Recording | 01.03.2021
Tomaso Vitali: Chaconne in G minorJi-Won Song, violin | Stefan Petrov, pianoKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2017
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
An hour of memorable string quartet performances featuring the Borromeo Quartet, the Heifetz Institute’s Ensemble in Residence. The group, led by first violinist and Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen, takes center stage to play works by Haydn, Schubert, and Claude Debussy, as well the two composers they are most known for: Bartok and Beethoven.
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
A tribute in words and music to the revered Heifetz Institute cellist and teacher Antonio Lysy, whose untimely death at the age of 60 shocked the music world. Featuring performances of works by Lysy in solo and chamber music performances with Heifetz students, alumni, and faculty colleagues, all captured live in concert.
This Episode’s Playlist
Georg Friedrich Handel: Trio Sonata for Two Cellos in G, HWV 393I. AndanteAntonio Lysy, cello | Mo Mo, cello | Coleman Itzkoff, cello continuo | Andrew Rosenblum, harpsichordFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.10.2016
Astor Piazzolla: Le Grand TangoAntonio Lysy, cello | Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.06.2017
Robert Schumann: Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73:I. Zart und mit Ausdruck [excerpt]Antonio Lysy, cello | Steven Van Hauwaert, pianoDorothy Chandler Pavilion | Los Angeles, CA 01.13.2013
Niccolo Paganini, arr. Sergio Drabkin: Paganissimo!Steve Doane, cello | Antonio Lysy, cello | Rosemary Elliott, cello | David Geber, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.30.2017
Heitor Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5Aria – CantilenaAngela Azzarra, soprano | Antonio Lysy, cello | Yan Ho Cheng, cello | Caroline Paulsen, cello | Nicco Maziotto, cello | Joan Herget, cello | Boubacar Diallo, cello | Roric Cunningham, cello | Davis You, celloFirst Presbyterian Church, Staunton VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.04.2019
Robert Schumann: Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73II. Zart und mit Ausdruck [excerpt]Antonio Lysy, cello | Steven Van Hauwaert, pianoDorothy Chandler Pavilion | Los Angeles, CA 01.13.2013
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat, Op. 44III. Scherzo: Molto vivaceIV. Finale: Allegro ma non troppoIlya Kaler, violin | Youjin Lee, violin | Paul Neubauer, viola | Antonio Lysy, cello | Stefan Petrov, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.172017
Robert Schumann: Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73III. Rasch, und mit Feuer [excerpt]Antonio Lysy, cello | Steven Van Hauwaert, pianoDorothy Chandler Pavilion | Los Angeles, CA 01.13.2013
Go Deeper
Read the tributes to Antonio Lysy and his impact at the Heifetz Institute by colleagues Nicholas Kitchen (Heifetz Institute Artistic Director), Daniel Heifetz (Heifetz Institute Founder), and Ralph Kirshbaum (co-director, Heifetz Chamber Music Seminar) here.
Antonio Lysy describes his experience teaching at the Heifetz Institute and the particular characteristics of its students…
While the Heifetz Institute was Antonio Lysy’s main summertime activity in the USA, he had an entirely different profile in his native Italy as the founder of the renowned festival Incontri in Terra di Siena, based in Villa La Foce in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Romance is in the air with some heart-strung melodies from Johannes Brahms, Edward Elgar, Josef Suk, and more. And we’ll also mark Valentine’s Day *and* the Lunar New Year with the touching Chinese tale of the “Butterfly Lovers,” brought to life on the Heifetz stage.
This Episode’s Playlist
J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1068II. AirLiana Branscome, Isabella Gorman, Strauss Shi, violins | Steven Baloue, viola | Benjamin Fried, cello | Mishe Bjerken, bassChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.22.2022
Josek Suk: Song of Love, Op. 7Fiona Khoung-Huu, violin | Rohan de Silva, pianoFrancis Auditorium | Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.02.2022
Schumann: Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 [excerpt]Lynne Mackey, pianoHouse concert, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording 11.19.2020
Johannes Brahms: Viola Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120, No. 1II. Andante un poco adagioIV. VivaceAndrew Gonzalez, viola | Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium | Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.09.2015
Edward Elgar: Salut D’Amour, Op. 12Julia Angelov, violin | Zhenni Li-Cohen, pianoKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.19.2019
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto in D Major, RV 93II. Largo [excerpt]Robby Brown, Guitar | Danny Yehun Jin, violin | Kiarra Saito-Beckman, violin | Matt Cohen, viola | Zhihao Wu, celloLinehan Concert Hall, UMBC, Baltimore Country, MDHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.18.2018
Chen Gang / He Zhanhao: The Butterfly Lovers ConcertoJi-Won Song, violin | Beilin Han, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.16.2016
Go Deeper
Check out violinist Ji-Won Song‘s “audio roadmap” to the Chinese folkloric epic The Butterfly Lovers, featured on this episode.
Then there was the time when the traveling LOVEworks sculpture from the Virginia Tourism Office alighted on the Heifetz campus…
Check out this playlist of classical pieces to celebrate the Lunar New Year!
Communcicate. Engage. Inspire.
The Heifetz International Music Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the artistic growth and career development of the most talented and promising young musicians in the world. We believe there are specific factors that distinguish a good performance from a great one, an emerging musician struggling to form their artistic identity from a complete performer who will establish a notable career. We seek to know, and to teach, what those factors are and how to achieve them. Through the innovative Performance & Communication Training method, the Institute leads musicians to convey the emotion of the music they’re performing, explore their full creative potential, express their individuality, and redefine the concert experience. As a summer program, we are uniquely positioned to guide our students at this critical point in their development in a non-competitive, supportive environment outside of the trials of conservatories and competitions.
Learn more about the Heifetz Institute
From the Institute's industry-leading multimedia archives and updates about upcoming performances, visit our website to learn more about the latest and greatest from the Heifetz Institute. https://heifetzinstitute.org/