Violinist James Ehnes, one of the most sought-after musicians on the international stage, recently led a master class for students at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Known for his combination of virtuosity and lyricism, Ehnes offered invaluable guidance to the next generation of musicians.
Named 2021 Gramophone Artist of the Year, Ehnes’ accolades include two Grammys, three Gramophone Awards and 12 Juno Awards. Ehnes, who has performed with world-renowned orchestras such as the Boston Symphony, London Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra, continues to be a towering figure in the classical music world.
Qian Chang, an artist diploma student of Cho-Liang Lin, the Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Distinguished Professor, performed the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor and described the experience as “one of the most extraordinary” of her life.
“His insights into musical character and the overarching framework of pieces were incredibly inspiring,” Chang said. “His playing sparked my imagination about sound and encouraged me to explore how different tones can convey a musical story to the audience.”
“The entire experience was extremely rewarding,” said undergraduate student Samantha Washecka, reflecting on the opportunity to gain insight into Ysaÿe’s Violin Sonata No. 3 for which Ehnes is well known. “I’m so incredibly grateful to the Shepherd School for this amazing opportunity and for continuously providing ways for the students here to work with the world’s most acclaimed artists.”
Washecka studies with Kathleen Winkler, the Dorothy Richard Starling Professor of Classical Violin.
Julie Lin, a master’s student of Paul Kantor, the Sallie Shepherd Perkins Professor of Violin, also performed two movements from Franck’s Sonata for Piano and Violin.
The master class concluded with Ehnes taking questions from the audience in a jam-packed Duncan Recital Hall, including how often he revisits his interpretations and how he approaches score study and new compositions.
Learn more about the Shepherd School here.