Camerata Zürich signs Gilles Apap
Camerata Zürich appoints French violinist Gilles Apap as Artist in Residence for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.
Apap is not only a first-class violinist, writes the Camerata in its blog, but is also known for "breaking conventions and combining different musical styles". His playing often combines classical music, jazz, Irish folk music and Eastern European folklore to create a holistic musical experience.
Apap was born in Algeria in 1963 and grew up in Nice. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and lives in California, where he was concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra until 2003. In 1985, he won the International Yehudi Menuhin Competition in the contemporary music category.
He regularly gives international master classes and workshops and has taught at the Menuhin Academy in Gstaad, at the Menuhin School in London and at the University of Benares (India).
The Camerata Zürich was founded in 1957 by the Swiss conductor Räto Tschupp. Following Räto Tschupp, Marc Kissóczy and Thomas Demenga, Igor Karsko has been the orchestra's Artistic Director since the 20/21 season. The orchestra created the position of Artist in Residence two years ago. It is currently held by Olli Mustonen.
