Romantic Violin Soirée - Theodora Papanikolaou

Theodora Papanikolaou an award-winning Greek violinist based in Vienna, is a promising artist making her debut performance in Cyprus, at Technopolis 20 in Paphos, on Thursday, 8th of February 2024 at 19:30. A soirée-concert at Technopolis 20 will feature masterpieces by romantic period composers; Ludwig van Beethoven, Niccolò Paganini, Jules Massenet, and Edward Elgar.

Pianist: Ivelina Ruseva

Entrance: 15 Euros / 10 Euros (Students)

Reservations are necessary at 70002420.

Few words about the performers

Theodora Papanikolaou, an award-winning Greek violinist based in Vienna, captivates audiences with a unique and emotive musicality. Her distinguished career is marked by numerous prestigious awards, including honors from renowned competitions such as the 'International Youth Music Competition' (Atlanta, USA), 'The Children of Paganini Competition' (Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria) and the '7th Panhellenic Music Competition of the UNESCO' (Athens, Greece). As a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester (GMJO), Theodora has made her mark on prestigious venues like Teatro alla Scala Milan, Wiener Musikverein, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg during their recent 2023 European Spring and Summer Tours encompassing 26 cities across 7 countries.

She stands as a former concertmaster of 'MOYSA', the Thessaloniki (Megaron) Concert Hall Symphony Orchestra. In 2024, she also became a member of Neue Philharmonie München. In 2023, she completed an internship at the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, contributing to her musical growth and experience. In 2022, she played with the Wiener Jeunesse Orchester, and since 2021, she has been a member of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO). Furthermore, Theodora has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Thessaloniki City Symphony Orchestra (TCSO), the University of Macedonia Symphony Orchestra, and the Thessaloniki State Conservatory’s Orchestra. Additionally, she showcased her talent at the Kutztown University’s Chamber Music Festival in the USA (2017 & 2018).

Theodora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance and Music Education from the University of Macedonia in the class of D. Chandrakis. She is a certified Suzuki Violin Teacher from the European Suzuki Association. She possesses a Violin diploma with honors from the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki. 

"A violin virtuoso, Theodora brings musical brilliance and sophistication to every note."

- Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy - USA

Ivelina Ruseva was born in Ruse, Bulgaria. She began piano lessons at the age of seven and three years later she was accepted in the music school "Vesselin Stoyanov" in Ruse. In 1992, she entered the National Music Academy "Pancho Vladigerov" in Sofia from which she graduated with honors in 1997. She participated in many concerts and competitions for solo piano during her studies. In 2019 Ivelina completed her Master’s degree in Piano Performance under the supervision of Prof. Ludmil Angelov at the New Bulgarian University in Sofia. She has been living in Paphos since 1999 where she teaches the piano and continues her performer’s career playing in concerts as a soloist and a chamber musician. Since 2019, she has been teaching at the Paphos Music School.

Programme

L. v. Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 'Spring'

~ Intermission ~

N. Paganini, “Cantabile”

J. Massenet, Meditation from Thais for Violin & Piano

E. Elgar, “Salut d’Amour”