Alexander barantschik biography

Alexander Barantschik joined the San Francisco Symphony as Concertmaster in September 2001, having served as Concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic.
Alexander Barantschik (born 1953) joined the San Francisco Symphony as Concertmaster in September 2001, having served as Concertmaster of the London.
Born in Russia, Mr. Barantschik attended the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and went on to perform with the major Russian orchestras, including the Saint.

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Cheryl North Interviews with Alexander Barantschik

ANG Newspapers: September 7, 2001; September 6, 2002; February 16, 2007, San Francisco Examiner, February 13, 2007 (below in reverse chronological order)

ANG Newspaper Preview Section, February 16, under title: Concerts in San Francisco, Cupertino Celebrate J.S. Bach's Legendary Music

One of the nicer coincidences in this world is that the first day of spring coincides with the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. The great man, considered by the vast majority of accomplished classical musicians and tens of thousands of ordinary folk, to be the greatest composer of all time, was born on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany.

Few other composers in the world have been either as prolific or as profound as the amazing Bach. According to several music historians, it took the Bach Gesellschaft group of scholars 46 years to gather and publish into 60 huge volumes what we now have of Bach's music. But if a copyist were to write out all this music as Bach did himself, experts estimate that it would take said copyist 70 years.

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Violin

Alexander Barantschik

Concertmaster,
Naoum Blinder Chair

Alexander Barantschik began his tenure as San Francisco Symphony Concertmaster in September 2001 and holds the Naoum Blinder Chair. Former concertmaster of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra in Germany, London Symphony Orchestra, and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, he has also been an active soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe. He has collaborated in chamber music with André Previn, Antonio Pappano, and Mstislav Rostropovich. As leader of the LSO, Mr. Barantschik toured Europe, Japan, and the United States; performed as soloist; and served as concertmaster for major symphonic cycles with Michael Tilson Thomas, Rostropovich, and Bernard Haitink. He was also concertmaster for Pierre Boulez’s year-long, three-continent seventy-fifth birthday celebration.

Born in Russia, Mr. Barantschik attended the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and went on to perform with the major Russian orchestras, including the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic. His awards include first prize in the International Violin Compet

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Alexander Barantschik

Concertmaster, Naoum Blinder Chair
Celebrating 15 years with the San Francisco Symphony
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, Russia
School: Saint Petersburg Conservatory

Instrument: 1742 Guarnerius del Gesù violin. Once owned by the virtuoso Ferdinand David, who is believed to have played it in the world premiere of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in 1845, it was also the favorite instrument of the legendary Jascha Heifetz, who acquired it in 1922. Through an arrangement with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Mr. Barantschik has the exclusive use of this remarkable instrument.

Began playing music: At age six.

From Rostropovich to Ellington: I have learned from so many wonderful people. I’ve listened to recordings of Heifetz my whole life. I actually had lessons in the same room as Heifetz did in Saint Petersburg! And I was privileged to play with Rostropovich, who was a great musician and an amazing human being. I’ve also learned from other genres. Some of my favorite jazz artists are Oscar Peterson, Sarah V