Huntersville, NC – On June 1, 2024, the Rafter’s at Historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville, NC, was filled with the sound of music as Boruff Violin Studio hosted its highly anticipated Young Artists Chamber Concert. The event showcased the incredible talent of our students and was followed by a thrilling performance from guest artist William Hagen, making for an unforgettable evening of music.
Student Performances
After a welcome given by Huntersville Commissioner Edwin Quarles, the concert began with over forty beginning violinists taking the stage to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Lightly Row graciously joined and led by William Hagen. Then Boruff Violin Studio’s young artists took the stage, performing chamber works that demonstrated their hard work, musical growth, and passion. A violin octet followed by two string quartets, consisting of students from the studio, delivered expressive renditions of chamber music repertoire.
The first ensemble performed Bohm’s Quartet for 4 Violins in G Major, a delightful and engaging piece adapted for violin octet. This second performance was a wonderful showcase of our students’ developing chamber music skills, and their focus and enthusiasm were palpable.
Next, two student string quartets performed. The first quartet played the first movement of Haydn’s String Quartet, Op. 76 No. 1, bringing the work’s lively spirit to life. The second quartet tackled Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 in E minor—a piece brimming with emotion and historical significance, as Smetana’s work represents his personal struggle with deafness. The first and second movements of this work were performed with sensitivity and intensity, capturing the essence of Smetana’s tragic yet beautiful composition.
These student performances were a testament to their dedication and hard work. The audience responded with enthusiasm, celebrating the budding talent of these young musicians.
A Showstopping Performance by William Hagen
After the student ensembles, the concert shifted to the highly anticipated performance by guest artist William Hagen, who was joined at the piano by Tomasz Robak. Hagen’s performance of Dvořák’s Four Romantic Pieces for Violin and Piano (view performance video) was a highlight of the evening, offering a lush and heartfelt interpretation of this beloved work. Hagen’s nuanced phrasing and deep connection to the music captivated the audience, showcasing his remarkable musicianship and ability to draw out the most intimate emotions of the piece.
Next came Tartini’s fiery Violin Sonata in G minor, also known as the “Devil’s Trill Sonata.” (View performance video) From the first note, it was clear that this performance would be something special. Hagen brought the piece’s virtuosic demands to life, particularly in the final movement and cadenza, which were played with such intensity and brilliance that the audience could not contain their excitement, giving him a standing ovation at the conclusion of the piece.
The Devil’s Trill Sonata is known for its technical challenges and dramatic intensity, and Hagen’s execution was nothing short of mesmerizing. His command of the violin and his passionate approach to this difficult work made it an unforgettable moment in the concert.
The concert concluded with a thrilling performance of Shostakovich’s Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano (view performance video), with William Hagen joined by studio founder Eric Boruff and pianist Tomasz Robak. This lively and dynamic work, filled with a wide array of expression, was the perfect piece to close the concert. The three musicians performed with a sense of camaraderie, their playful interactions leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The evening was a fitting tribute to the power of music—both through the rising stars of our student performers and the exceptional artistry of William Hagen and his collaborators. The warmth and energy in the room were palpable, and the standing-room-only audience was treated to an unforgettable showcase.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who joined us for this very special evening. It was a true celebration of music and community, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to share it with such a wonderful audience. Special thanks to William Hagen, Tomasz Robak, and Eric Boruff for their exceptional performances and to our talented students for their hard work and dedication to their craft.
At Boruff Violin Studio, we are committed to providing our students with unparalleled opportunities to grow as musicians, and this concert was a shining example of what can happen when passion, hard work, and artistry come together. We look forward to more inspiring performances and events in the future!
