Octavian Ioan-Pirlea
Violinist | 2023 Julius Isserlis Scholarship
A note from Octavian
I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been awarded the RPS Julius Isserlis Scholarship to help me pursue my studies in the USA. It is surreal to be able to say that at the recommendation of Miriam Fried and Ayano Ninomiya I will be studying at the New England Conservatory in Boston for my postgraduate degree.
Going to study at one of the best violin faculties in the world is a dream come true. Over the course of my two years of study there, I want to improve and refine every aspect of my playing and intellectually develop my own unique style and sound as a musician. I hope to achieve one of my musical goals of competing in a major violin competition such as Indianapolis and to further sharpen my skills to become a heard voice in the present society.
This dream would not be possible without the help of the Royal Philharmonic Society. Being able to study in the US and to learn from world-renowned violinists will have a huge impact on my musical career and development, and I feel truly privileged to have been awarded the Julius Isserlis Scholarship.
Biography
Octavian Ioan-Pirlea is a Romanian violinist studying at the New England Conservatory in Boston. His debut as a soloist was at the age of 7 with the Brasov Philharmonic, making him the youngest soloist in the town. He was invited to become a member of the Remember Enescu Foundation which gave him the opportunity to perform in every city in Romania. At the same time, he was awarded 1st prize in over 40 national competitions in Romania.
Octavian has performed as a soloist with several orchestras in Romania, most recenly with the Arad Philharmonic where he performed Sibelius's Violin Concerto. His musical life changed at the age of 15 years old when he was offered a full scholarship to study at the Purcell School and Royal Academy of Music. Studying abroad gave him the chance to perform alongside with his professor Remus Azoitei, and he learnt from major soloists such as James Ehnes, Ning Feng, Pierre Amoyal, Chloe Hanslip, and Alina Ibragimova. During his time in London, he made his debut at the Wigmore Hall, Drapers’ Hall, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Octavian is supported by the Royal Philharmonic Society Julius Isserlis Scholarship.