Presented by Equity Bank
An American violinist with a self-described Russian soul, Maria Ioudenitch grew up in Overland Park, attended Barstow, and is part of a very musical family—her parents, Tatiana and Stanislav Ioudenitch, are world-renowned pianists and educators. Cliburn Gold Medalist Stanislav is the artistic director at Park University’s International Center for Music.
Maria Iodenitch’s talent was apparent very early. She trained with violin master Gregory Sandomirsky from the age of 3 and later with Ben Sayevich at Park ICM. This year, she is touring after the debut of her album Songbird in March, performing in New York and Washington, Jerusalem, Spain, and Germany. Because the violin can sound so much like the human voice, Ioudenitch chose pieces for her album that are meant to be sung, but instead are played on the violin with piano accompaniment by Kenny Broberg. Many of the songs are by female composers, classical through contemporary—Amy Beach, Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, and Fanny Mendelssohn—underscoring her belief that beautiful music from “underappreciated composers should be part of our repertoire.”
Ioudenitch completed her bachelor’s degree at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and her master’s at New England Conservatory. This month, she will perform as part of the Marlboro Music Festival of chamber music at concerts in London, Ontario; Greenwich, Connecticut; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; New York City; and Boston.
“Generosity,” says Iodenitch, “is the most important part of playing music with fellow musicians, for the pleasure of listeners. With each phrase that you’re playing, you give it to the others.”
Born in Russia, you grew up in Overland Park, the daughter of Russian emigres who also happen to be world-class musicians. What was that like? While other kids were eating hot dogs, were you eating borscht?
Oh man, I loved the hot dogs at school!! Also eating some borscht and blinis at home. But honestly, I think my parents put in a lot of effort to integrate, and let me do so, as well. Growing up in a house with two amazing musicians was special, and I promise I’m not just saying that because I have to. I was always enveloped in the sounds of both of them practicing, or teaching, or listening to the greatest recordings of all time. I think all of that shaped me, in many ways, as a musician.
As an internationally renowned violinist, you are also known for your innovative programming, like a chef who pairs flavors in a dish. What goes into selecting the music you will play for a concert?
We are storytellers, and although pieces on their own are stories in and of themselves, the audience comes to a recital with the intention of blocking off 90 minutes of their life. My belief is that we must make it a 90-minute experience, rather than several separate experiences that make up 90 minutes. A burger, biryani, fresh sashimi, and a Sichuan hot pot are all excellent dishes by themselves but eat them all in one meal and your stomach will be confused.
I love to find either a thematic string that connects all the pieces or two totally contrasting themes that are interesting and surprising paired together. I think it’s deeply important to create a colorfully varied program. One of my favorite parts of making music is how many sound worlds we are able to form with one instrument. The nuances of sound, and the emotional possibilities that come with them are endless.
More often than not, these sound worlds are how I build my programs. Where are they similar, where they differ, how they differ, and, importantly, are they complementary in how they differ.
If you could look ahead 20 years, where do you hope your career takes you?
I see myself doing more of the same! Making music with musicians and humans I admire and adore and sharing it with audiences around the world! I also have a developing mission to create a nonprofit with concerts and projects for humanitarian aid.
How has the Kansas City area nurtured you as a musician and as a person?
I have the fondest memories of growing up in Kansas City. I went to Barstow school for 13 years, which undoubtedly shaped me as a human, met and studied with my first two beloved violin teachers, Gregory and Ben, and all the while was surrounded by wonderful Kansas Citians and beautiful suburban nature. I think my parents made the best decision to put down roots in Kansas City, and I will always call it my home.