.png)
Anne Akiko Meyers is one of the world’s most esteemed violinists. On October 2024, Anne will be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, which honors leading members of the Asian community across a wide array of disciplines. Follow her on Instagram @anneakikomeyers or visit her website: anneakikomeyers.com.
Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, who will be inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame this October, is coming to Denver to perform the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Colorado Symphony and Douglas Boyd on October 4, 5, 6, 2024 at Boettcher Concert Hall.
Meyers plays on a piece of history. Her violin, the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri del Gesù, belonged to Henri Vieutemps during the 19th century and is one of the finest violins in existence due to its powerfully luxuriant sound and mint state of preservation.
Meyers is admired for her poetic interpretations, her deeply expressive music creates a rich sonic universe, much like a storyteller.
She is an incredible interpreter of beloved classical works and frequent collaborator with some of the greatest living composers. Named “the Wonder Woman of Commissioning” by The Strad, Meyers has worked with many of the greatest living composers of the last century, including Arturo Márquez, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, John Corigliano, Wynton Marsalis, Mason Bates, and John Williams.
Her album Fandango, featuring the live world premiere recording of Arturo Márquez’s: Fandango recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel received two GRAMMY® nominations and two Latin GRAMMY® nominations.
Background and Early Life
Her mother played lots of music while pregnant with Anne, after reading that music helps a baby’s development. At age 4, Anne was introduced to the violin and took to it immediately.
Meyers and her family moved to the Los Angeles area at age 7. She reminisced about the time they attended a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, sitting in nosebleed seats and eating bento boxes prepared by her mother.
“I was immersed in the music and how it washed over our bodies and senses,” she said. “It was really magical.”
Career Highlights and Challenges
She studied with Alice Schoenfeld, and chamber music with her sister, Eleanor Schoenfeld. As the leader of the Angels Ensemble of California, she performed twice on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, That’s Incredible and the Emmy Awards Show. Just 11 years old, Meyers also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic at age 12.
At age 14, on invitation after performing for legendary teacher, Dorothy DeLay at the Aspen Music Festival, Meyers along with her mother and sister, embarked on a road trip from California to New York to continue her studies at The Juilliard School.
“It was eye-opening to see so much talent,” she said. “People from all over the world were studying and believing in their dreams to become musicians.”
In those six years, she crammed high school, pre-college, and college, graduating at 20 years old.
At age 18, her first recording included the Barber and Bruch Violin Concertos - with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London. She has recorded over 40 albums since, available on all streaming platforms.
She finds inspiration with every musical director, conductor, orchestra, and chamber group. “There’s inspiration from every human being I’ve interacted with and from many different genres of music,” she said.
She even recalls visiting the defunct Tower Records and browsing through the CD’s. “I loved discovering new music and listening to everything that caught my curious heart and mind, finding many hidden treasures.”
“I’m so grateful for the inspiration I’ve found in many different walks of life.”
Musical Style and Interpretation
Growing up, she spent her summers in Japan with her Grandmother. “The Japanese tradition is so inherent and a cherished part of my heritage that I celebrate and love,” she said.
Every musical performer has their own individuality. Their own unique sound.
“Being a musician, you work on creating and developing your own unique sound as your sound is your soul.”
When composing the work for Meyers, Márquez was inspired by Meyers’ Mendelssohn recording, specifically the violinist’s ability to bring out its lyrics, beautiful high notes, singing qualities, and challenging rhythms.
She also believes in innovation. “I’m constantly challenging myself to let the music sing freely,” Meyers said.
The program for the October concert in Denver includes:
Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture – Fantasy
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Sibelius: Symphony No. 3 in C major, Op. 52
Legacy and Future Goals
This upcoming season, Meyers is scheduled to work with Grammy-winning American composer and conductor Eric Whitacre at Carnegie Hall. Meyers is also looking forward to recording works by American composer and pianist Phillip Glass with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic in October.
“I’m living my dream working with living composers,” she said. “There’s nothing like collaborating with these living legends in real time.”
Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Instagram @Jeneverre.
Comments