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1. How has the loan of the Matteo Goffriller violin helped you in your studies?

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It has been an incredible privilege to play such a beautiful instrument. It has truly changed my perception of sound and given me a new appreciation for my craft of playing a violin. The Goffriller possesses ane xtraordinary range and depth of tone, and exploring and discovering these qualities has been a real learning experience. It has required a great deal of patience on my part to reach a stage in my playing where I can begin to access this depth, so I am hoping that, by now, we have become good friends!

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2. Can you tell us about any particularly memorable performances or competitions you have taken part in?

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There are a few performances that stand out in my memory. One of my most memorable experiences was my first appearance with a professional orchestra. I performed Ravel’s Tzigane with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in the final of the Polstjärnepriset competition. I was incredibly anxious, but it was such an indescribable feeling to be on stage with so many musicians. The experience gave me so much energy and allowed me to be completely present in the moment — even though, at one point, I had the impulsive thought of running off stage simply to avoid the terrifying fast passage right at the end! It is an experience for which I am so grateful.

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Some of my most treasured musical memories have been far less formal, such as sight-reading with friends and family late into the night. During the IMS masterclasses at Prussia Cove, we decided to hold a “Fauré evening”, sight-reading both of his piano quartets and quintets before finishing with the trio. Many wrong notes were played on my part, but it was a wonderful evening and a reminder of what a joy it is to make music with people!

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3. What are you most looking forward to during your Maiastra course in September with Florence Cooke?

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I am so excited to be participating in the Maiastra course in September. When I was at the Menuhin School, my friends and I would often attend the Maiastra concerts, and they were always such wonderful experiences —something I hoped I might one day be part of myself. The prospect of spendings everal intense days together, really delving into this incredible quartet repertoire with such experienced teachers, is a dream scenario for a student. I am also fortunate to already know the other musicians in the group, and I amv ery much looking forward to sharing the experience with them.

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4. From a student’s perspective, why are courses like Maiastra valuable for your professional development?

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It is such a rare opportunity to be able to work and spend time with musicians like Florence over an extended period. Playing in a quartet requires a very particular set of skills, many of which can only truly be developed through experience. Because the course is residential, it gives us the chance not only to rehearse intensively, but also to pick the professor's brains and absorb as much knowledge from them as possible.

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It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded young musicians with whom I hope to continue making music for many years to come.

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5. What would your dream career look like as a violinist?

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My first and truest love has always been chamber music, and I hope to play with as many different people, in as many different settings, as possible. I love being inspired by my colleagues and discussing music with other passionate musicians. I also hope to have the opportunity to perform as a soloist a few more times throughout my career and to explore some of the extraordinary orchestral repertoire. So, essentially, a little bit of everything!