GILLES APAP, violin
Oleksij Molčanov, accompanist
Master Workshop: July 28- August 1
Gilles Apap, violinist recognized on the international scene for his virtuosity, nurtures a unique approach to musical interpretation. By blending the standard repertoire with jazz and folk music from all around the world, he breaks down boundaries among musical styles. Gilles Apap began learning music in early childhood. He started his studies in his native France and continued in the United States at the Curtis Institute of Music. After participating in an international competition in 1985, he established a lifelong collaboration with the renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin. As a soloist, Gilles Apap has performed with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, the symphony orchestras of San Francisco, Vancouver, and Hamburg, the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the Boston, Israeli, and Russian National Philharmonics. The music he performs with The Colors of Invention quartet represents a fusion of classical works by Vivaldi, Ravel, and Bartók on one hand, and traditional folk melodies on the other. With the Meduoteran ethno-jazz band, Gilles Apap performs at numerous jazz and ethno festivals across Europe. He was the leader of the Nordic Chamber Orchestra. He is the founder of the crossover music ensemble The Transylvanian Mountain Boys, with whom he has recorded three compact discs for the Sony Classical record label.
