In its final concert of the school year, the Marcos de Niza Chamber Orchestra is excited to be joined by a special guest – world-renowned violinist and Concertmaster of the Phoenix Symphony, Steven Moeckel.
Violinist Steven Moeckel’s effortless virtuosity, vivid characterization and uncanny ability to capture the very essence of a work have been hailed by critics worldwide. As concerto soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, his ability to engage audiences in an astounding range of repertoire distinguishes him as one of the most versatile young musicians of today.
A seasoned performer since childhood, Moeckel began his career as a violinist in the United States, and then, from the age of eleven, toured as principal soprano soloist of the renowned Vienna Boys Choir. Resuming his violin studies, he graduated with honors from the Mozarteum in Salzburg at the age of nineteen and immediately assumed the position of Co-Concertmaster of Germany’s Ulm Philharmonic. Since his return to the United States, Moeckel has continued to combine a career as concertmaster with that of soloist and chamber artist.
He has performed with Leon Fleisher and Menachem Pressler at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival and frequently appears in concert with William Wolfram. He is a much sought after concerto soloist, his repertoire encompassing everything from the standard classical and romantic masterpieces to the visceral virtuosity of the Shostakovich Concerto and Corigliano’s Red Violin. Invited to China under the auspices of the newly formed Ling Tung Foundation, he was the first Western violinist to perform the beloved violin concerto, The Butterfly Lovers, with a Chinese orchestra. At home in myriad styles, with pianist Paula Fan he performed a 12 hour marathon charity concert featuring masterworks of the classical literature interspersed with intermezzi featuring country, tango and jazz.
Currently concertmaster of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Steven Moeckel performs on a violin crafted c. 1840 by the celebrated French maker, Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume.
On May 11, 2017 Moeckel will perform alongside the Chamber Orchestra for “Summer” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The show, “Spring into Summer” starts at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Marcos de Niza High School.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students and will also celebrate the beginning of our Marcos Fine Arts Academy at Marcos de Niza High School, which premieres in the 2017-2018 academic year!,” said MdN Director of Orchestras Scott Glasser. “I hope that you can join us for the evening, as all three orchestras and our United Sound Club will take the stage, and we will also have a tribute to our graduating seniors.”
The Marcos United Sound Club provides musical performance experiences for students with special needs through peer mentorship.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Source: Tempe Union High School District and stevenmoeckel.com.