Artist of the Month

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May 2007: Alexandra Marquez

Student Artist of the Month

On May 5, 2007, at 1 p.m. the Dynamik Duo made up of Emory college juniors Alexandra Marquez, violin, and David Demirbilek, piano, will present their undergraduate recital in the Schwartz Center Concert Hall. The program includes the Sonata for Piano and Violin in G Major, op. 78, no. 1 (Rain) by Johannes Brahms and Tzigane by Maurice Ravel. Demirbilek will also present two pieces for solo piano by Bach, Toccata in D, and Mozart, Fantasie in C. This free concert is open to the public and will be followed by a reception in the upper lobby of the Schwartz Center.

Now based in Mobile, Alabama, Alexandra Marquez began her violin studies sixteen years ago in Montreal, Quebec, Canada under the tutelage of a French violinist before moving to Florida and studying with a Russian teacher. At Emory Marquez is majoring in music and is also following a pre-med track in hopes of attending medical school to become a physician. However, Marquez admits that the first thing on her mind at this point, other than her upcoming junior recital, is her senior honors recital, which will take place next spring. Between preparing for her upcoming recital and her duties as associate concertmaster of the Emory Symphony Orchestra directed by Dr. Richard Prior, Marquez was able to answer some questions about her musical background and her current musical endeavors.

Q: How did you first become attracted to the violin?

A: When I was five years old I saw MidoriLive at Carnegie Hall broadcast on television. I immediately fell in love with the sound of her instrument and begged my mother for a violin. She finally rented one, thinking that a precocious, rambunctious little five-year-old would not stick with something so disciplined. Clearly she was wrong! What’s crazy is that I’m playing Tzigane by Ravel in my concert and, in listening to some recordings recently, I came across a recording of Midori playing the piece again on Live at Carnegie Hall. I realized that Tzigane is one of the pieces that inspired me as a child and now I’m playing it. It’s definitely a landmark moment in my life! [ Note: Midori will be performing next season as part of the Flora Glenn Candler Concert Series and as an Emory Coca-Cola Artist in Residence.]

Q: What past musical experiences have impacted your current abilities?

A: In high school I started a string quartet with three other youth orchestra kids. We immediately connected as friends and this connection translated musically. It was from this experience that I developed a love for chamber music. At Emory I have received instruction from the Vega String Quartet, Emory’s 2006-2007 Quartet-in-Residence. It is amazing that we have such talented musicians so accessible to students. Jessica Wu, violinist, not only has instructed me in chamber ensembles, but has even helped me with my solo music numerous times. I really consider her a close mentor and even a friend.

Q: Who do you currently study with and how have they influenced your playing?

A: My current teacher, Jun-Ching Lin, an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra member, has really pushed me to become a better musician. My previous teachers had always allowed me to be extremely musical and free in my playing. Jun-Ching knows that my passion for what I am playing translates musically, but that sometimes it can get in the way of technical things – hence my nickname, “his little gypsy.” I do, however, think he sees potential in me, so he never lets me slack off! I have learned to critically listen to myself, practice more effectively and efficiently and push myself more than ever before. Studying with Jun-Ching has made me a firm believer in Pablo Casal’s famous saying “technique frees the artist.”

Q: Why did you choose to undertake a junior recital?

A: I am here at Emory for violin performance. Studying violin for yourself is certainly valid, but I, as a musician, need to perform not only to push myself towards a goal, but also to share my talent and passion for music. I seek out performance opportunities and perform multiple times each semester with the Emory Symphony Orchestra, the Emory String Quartet, The Big 3 (my clarinet trio) and Dynamik Duo (violin/piano duo). Not only are these performances good practice for major events like my junior recital, but they are also fun and make me happy.

Q: Describe the music you will be performing.

A: In my opinion Brahms’ Sonata for Piano and Violin in G Major is the most beautiful of his sonatas for violin. Brahms is just so lyrical that my violin part is almost like a vocal line. Brahms himself was a pianist, which makes it sometimes awkward for the violin because this piece is extremely musically challenging. Tzigane by Ravel actually means gypsy in Hungarian, so it’s fitting for my style. Jun-Ching has given me more freedom this year in choosing what I want to play. I had always wanted to play Tzigane because it really meshes with my musical style in its freedom and musicality

Q: Any interesting summer plans?

A: Well, the summer after my freshman year I participated in the Emory Scholars and Service program during which I worked with refugees at the International Rescue Committee. The experience really inspired me to continue volunteering with people from developing countries. This summer I am going to be teaching music and English to middle-school students in the Hunan Province of China through WorldTeach, a non-profit organization based out of Harvard’s Center for International Development.

As a final note, Alexandra would like to thank Dr. Richard Prior, director of the Emory Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles. “Having Dr. Prior as conductor has improved my maturity and musicianship. He inspired each and every one of us to give our all each time we pick up our instruments. On a personal level, he has always been a key supporter, mentor and confidant.”

Compiled by Jessica Moore
Communications Coordinator
Arts at Emory

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