Mario Hossen ‒ the Bulgarian Paganini

published on 5/12/10 9:12 AM

Mario Hossen ‒ the Bulgarian Paganini

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On Radio Bulgaria, this is TOM, presenting today the violinist Mario Hossen. He was born in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, his mother was an opera singer and his brother – a pianist. Thus music was Mario’s natural environment. He was meant to be a musician – his first violin was gifted to him by his grandmother, a teacher in music, right after his birth. At the age of 7 he already played with the Plovdiv Philharmonic. At 17 he continued his education with Michael Frischenschlager at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. He graduated with an award from the Austrian cultural ministry for high artistic achievements. His further path in the world of music was linked to reputable teachers and soloists, such as Ruggiero Ricci and Gerard Poulet in Paris and Ifra Neaman in London. The performances of all the 6 Concerts and the 24 Capricci by Paganini, along with the violin sonatas of Beethoven made him extremely popular. He plays them in Europe, Asia and America at prestigious concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, Konzerthaus and Brucknerhaus… Mr. Hossen plays on a G.B. Guadagnini 1749 violin, lent to him by the National Bank of Austria. Being a virtuoso with an amazing technique, combined with romantic sensibility, he receives wonderful criticisms: “A reincarnation of Paganini… Mario Hossen captivates with a brilliant technique and beautiful violin sound. The audience is amazed by the Capricci, encores him” – writes the Austrian press.

“When someone calls you “a reincarnated Paganini”, this becomes a responsibility, challenge, but above all an obligation, since he was the one that made a revolution in the instrumental art of violin – Mario Hossen says. – There are not so many Paganini impersonators in the beginning of the 21st century and I believe that I am one of the few that play most of Paganini’s works. Playing and understanding this virtuoso music gives me a great pleasure.”
His native town of Plovdiv is one of the preferred places for Mario to meet his friends and relatives, and also for a walk in the streets of the ancient town. Thus a year and a half ago at a meeting with young musicians the idea for a violin class was born and later grew into the Orpheus Academy. “Mr. Slavcho Atanasov, the mayor of Plovdiv supported the project. World famous classical musicians from France and Germany attended the event. The result was a magical one – the ancient town became alive with many students, with music… people were happy to hear live performances of great European soloists” – the violinist reminds.
The invitation from the New Bulgarian University to become a lecturer in violin made Mr. Hossen realize that he enjoyed this work. “I come to work with my students twice monthly” – he says and adds:
“I am happy – they are talented and intelligent and give me a lot. I am also ready to give everything to them. I am proud to announce that the Orpheus Academy project will be situated in Vienna and there will be many possibilities for the Bulgarian talents to express themselves. The goal is many master classes to be created and great masters of classical music to work with the young Bulgarians.”

Listen now to a performance from the first CD of the Orpheus Academy orchestra with Mario Hossen as a soloist. This is Rondo No1 from a concert No1 opus 6 in D flat by Paganini. The conductor is Joel Jenny.

Violinist Mario Hossen performs at a series of concerts in Vienna now:
“I have a big project in Vienna in April and May. Together with prof. Milena Mollova we will play Beethoven’s ten sonatas for a violin and piano at the Palais Palfy, Figaro Hall. That was where the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart sounded for a first time. Working with a great performer, such as Milena Mollova is a real challenge to me and I am really happy that we will play in my second favorite city and the country that has been a part of my life for a long time.”

English version: Zhivko Stanchev

По публикацията работи: Valya Bozhilova

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