Mirijam Contzen

Mirijam Contzen is highly regarded as a soloist, chamber musician, festival director, and teacher. Known for her refined interpretations, her playing combines technical mastery with profound musical understanding. In January 2020, Sony Classical released her recording of Franz Clement’s two violin concertos with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne, conducted by Reinhard Goebel. The album, which includes the world premiere recording of Clement’s second concerto, received the »Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik« and the OPUS Klassik award. Throughout her career, Contzen has collaborated with prestigious orchestras such as the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working with esteemed conductors including Iván Fischer, Gianandrea Noseda, and Vladimir Fedosejev. Her passion for chamber music has led to performances with renowned artists like Emmanuel Ax and Mischa Maisky. In 2016, she became a professor of violin at Berlin University of the Arts, where she is deeply committed to nurturing young talent. Continuing her dedication to rare repertoire, Contzen’s upcoming album with Sony Classical features the first recording since 1965 of the violin concerto in E-flat major KV 365, attributed to Mozart. This project is part of the New Mozarts series, and she is accompanied by the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, again under Goebel’s direction. Her passion for chamber music has led to collaborations with highly renowned musicians such as Emmanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Misha Maisky, Clemens Hagen, Herbert Schuch, Bernd Glemser, Tobias Bredohl and Giovanni Guzzo. In 2016, Mirijam Contzen was appointed professor of violin at Berlin University of the Arts. Of particular concern to her is the fostering of exceptional young talent on the violin, the commitment to training music teachers, and the interest in learning processes in society.