The VSO Appoints New Concertmaster

VSO Appoints New Concertmaster

Vancouver BC ’Äì Maestro Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra are proud to announce the appointment of world-renowned violinist Dale Barltrop as VSO Concertmaster, effective September 2009.

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Dale Barltrop earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Maryland, followed by a Professional Studies Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with William Preucil, Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra. Mr. Barltrop has been Principal Second Violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2003 and Principal Second Violin of the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra in San Diego since 2005. He was also a co-founder and Director of the Philharmonia Ensemble at the University of Maryland from 2000 to 2002.

An accomplished violinist, Mr. Barltrop has won the Grand Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2003, the Jules C. Reiner Violin Prize at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 2002, and First Prize at the University of Maryland Concerto Competition in 2000. He has been featured as a soloist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in the works of Bach, Locatelli, Piazzolla, Schubert and Vivaldi.

In commenting on his appointment, Mr. Barltrop said: ’ÄúI'm honoured to be the Vancouver Symphony's new concertmaster. I had the opportunity to tour with the VSO this past May and the music-making was inspiring. They are wonderful musicians and I'm very much looking forward to joining them and calling Vancouver my home.’Äù

Maestro Bramwell Tovey was enthusiastic in his praise of Mr. Barltrop, stating: "Dale is an exceptional musician in every way. He is not only a tremendous violinist and great classical artist, he is also a devoted advocate of music. I was so impressed with his professionalism and skill on our Central Canada Tour and the weeks in which he performed with us at the Orpheum, and look forward to Dale joining the orchestra on a full-time basis. I am delighted that Dale will make his home here in Vancouver, and he will become an indispensable part of the music community of British Columbia."

Equally enthusiastic was President & CEO Jeff Alexander, who noted: ’ÄúWe are delighted to welcome Dale to the VSO family. I know the entire organization and the Vancouver arts community will benefit greatly from his extraordinary musicianship and leadership abilities.’Äù

As Concertmaster of the VSO, Mr. Barltrop takes on a position central to the artistic success of a symphony orchestra. The Concertmaster is the leader of the orchestra’Äôs string section, and he will serve as the artistic ’Äúright hand’Äù to Music Director Bramwell Tovey. He will in fact be the conduit between every conductor and the orchestra during rehearsals and performances. Mr. Barltrop will appear as soloist with the VSO on a regular basis, and be a member of every audition committee for future appointments to the orchestra.

In addition to his substantial artistic role, Mr. Barltrop will be active in the VSO's extensive educational programs, serve as an ambassador of the VSO at public and private functions, and participate in various fundraising and social functions on behalf of the organization.

Biography:

Dale Barltrop has held the position of Principal Second Violin in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2003. He has appeared as soloist with the SPCO in works of Bach, Vivaldi, Locatelli, Piazzolla, Schnittke and Schubert. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Barltrop came to the United States in 1998 to study at the University of Maryland as a student of Gerald Fischbach and the Guarneri Quartet. He continued his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with William Preucil, concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra. Barltrop has appeared as soloist with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Maryland Chamber Orchestra, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and back home with the Queensland Symphony and Queensland Pops Orchestras. Prior to joining the SPCO, he was associate concertmaster of the Akron Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. Barltrop was a founding member of the Verklˆ§rte Quartet, grand prize winner at the 2003 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. His quartet was ensemble-in-residence at the Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival in Vermont and guest artists at the Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy. Barltrop has also participated in the Mainly Mozart, Swannanoa, Kneisel Hall and Tanglewood Music Festivals and the New York String Orchestra Seminar. Barltrop has a keen interest in youth music and coaches regularly for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. At the University of Maryland, he co-founded and directed the Philharmonia Ensemble, a highly successful student chamber orchestra. Dale also enjoys teaching, swimming, hiking and traveling.

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