World-famous violinists: top-tier virtuosos you should hear at least once.
Among the instruments in an orchestra, the violin supports the ensemble and at times weaves threadlike melodic lines that add color to a piece’s structure.
In this article, we spotlight world-famous violinists.
“If it’s this performer, anyone would want to listen!”
We researched and carefully selected top-tier violinists with that kind of reputation.
Love the sound of the violin?
You might be one of those fans, too.
Alongside legendary classical performances, in recent years young YouTuber-violinists popular across generations have also been on the rise.
Once you listen, you’ll be captivated—guaranteed.
Enjoy!
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World-famous violinists: Top-tier violin players you should hear at least once (1–10)
Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19: II. Scherzo, Vivacissimo (A minor)Kashimoto Daishin
Daishin Kashimoto is a globally active violinist.
Born in London in 1979, he is Japanese.
He began playing the violin at the age of three, studied at the Juilliard School Pre-College, and then at the Freiburg University of Music.
In 2010, he was appointed First Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, becoming only the second Japanese person to achieve this distinction.
He has won numerous international competitions.
Since 2007, he has also hosted the international music festival “Le Pont,” working to deepen human connections through music.
With performances that are both delicate and powerful, he is recommended not only for classical music fans but also for anyone wishing to discover the appeal of the violin.
Humoresque No.7 in G-flat Major Op.101Itzhak Perlman
Let me introduce Itzhak Perlman, who is not only famous but also among the very best in terms of skill.
Even if you’ve only dabbled a bit in classical music, you probably know him.
If I had to sum him up in one phrase, I’d call him a “chameleon violinist.” No matter the style, he plays as if he composed the piece himself.
Rather than relying on personal quirks, he captivates through the fidelity and precision of his high-level technique.
His repertoire is incredibly broad, so be sure to check him out!
Polonaise de concert in D Major, Op. 4Maxim Vengerov
Maxim Vengerov is a world-renowned violinist.
Born in Russia in 1974, he began playing the violin at the age of four and gave his first recital at five.
His talent blossomed early, winning first prize at the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition at the age of ten.
Vengerov has received numerous awards, including a Grammy and the ECHO Klassik.
He also plays the captivating 1727 “ex-Kreutzer” Stradivarius.
He is a recommended artist not only for classical music fans but for anyone who wants to be enchanted by the beautiful sound of the violin.
World-Famous Violinists: Top-Tier Violinists You Must Hear at Least Once (Nos. 11–20)
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64Ray Chen
Born in Taiwan in 1989, Ray Chen grew up in Australia and began playing the violin at the age of four.
At fifteen, he entered the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, and he went on to win the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition in 2008 and the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2009.
He has performed with major orchestras around the world to great acclaim.
Actively leveraging social media, he reaches new audiences for classical music.
In 2017, he signed with Decca Classics, and his album “The Golden Age” was nominated for Best Classical Album at the 2018 ARIA Music Awards.
He performs on the 1715 “Joachim” Stradivarius and continues to explore new ways to bring classical music to contemporary listeners.
Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor Op.26（Allegro moderato）Ivry Gitlis
This is Ivry Gitlis, famous for his distinctive performances.
He is also known as the oldest active violinist.
Gitlis is the kind of violinist who plays with his own bold interpretations.
Some people criticize that style, while others see it as individuality and praise it.
Although he is an idiosyncratic violinist, his technique is unquestionably solid.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Gitlis was the first to hold a charity concert.
Perhaps his distinctive style is, in its own way, an expression of his generosity toward his audience.
J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004 – 5. CiacconaJanine Jansen
Janine Jansen, from Soest in the Dutch province of Utrecht, has received numerous awards, including the Dutch Music Prize in 2003.
In addition to her solo career, she is actively engaged in chamber music; since 1998 she has performed as a member of Spectrum Concerts Berlin, and in 2003 she founded the International Chamber Music Festival in Utrecht, where she serves as artistic director.
She performs on a 1727 Stradivarius on loan from the Elise Mathilde Fund, and has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderatoJames Ehnes
James Ehnes is a world-renowned violinist that Canada is proud to claim.
He began playing the violin at the age of four and made his debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at thirteen.
Performing on a richly toned 1715 Stradivarius, he has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras.
In 2008, he won a Grammy Award.
With exquisite technique and profound expressiveness, he brings the great classics to life with performances filled with soul.
In addition to his solo career, he is dedicated to chamber music and education, reflecting his sincere commitment to music.
He is a must-hear artist for anyone captivated by the allure of the violin.