Artist-in-residence Stefan Jackiw
“Music is about vulnerability, not invulnerability”
For violinist Stefan Jackiw (b. 1985), the invitation was a no-brainer: next season, he will be artist-in-residence with the Residentie Orkest. The internationally acclaimed American soloist is settling in The Hague with his favorite music on the program and running shoes in his suitcase. He’s ready to explore the city and further deepen his relationship with the orchestra.
A violin as a gift
Stefan didn’t grow up in a musical family. His parents were theoretical physicists who just happened to enjoy listening to classical music, and Stefan listened along with them. He started playing the violin more or less by accident when he received one as a gift. He remembers his first lessons well: “There was colored tape on the strings so we’d know where to place our fingers.” And although he enjoyed the lessons, he also had many other interests. “My childhood wasn’t all about my violin.”
First the talent, then the passion
Around the age of nine, it became clear that Stefan had talent, but it wasn’t until years later that playing the violin became a true passion. Music grew increasingly important in his life. As a teenager, he joined a youth orchestra and attended music camps during the summer. Stefan took his academic career seriously, first in high school and later at Harvard, but he also continued to study the violin intensively at the New England Conservatory in Boston. There, he studied under Donald Weilerstein. Stefan describes that period as a transformation: “He changed me not only musically, but also as a person.”
Vulnerability rather than invulnerability
Stefan had always been taught that playing the violin was all about technical perfection and virtuosity. Weilerstein turned that on its head: in his view, the musician is actually at the service of the music. “He emphasized vulnerability rather than invulnerability. Daring to reveal yourself, even in front of an audience of two thousand people. The best performances aren’t just technically strong, but above all human.” Yet the drive for perfection remains, especially when compared to fellow musicians. ‘Those emotions coexist and sometimes work against each other. Then I remind myself of my humanity: I’m not perfect, and yet I go on stage. That’s what it’s all about.’
Meet our artist-in-residence Stefan Jackiw in our “Violin in the Spotlight” series. Together with three other top violinists, including Dutch star Simone Lamsma, they will bring the most beautiful violin compositions to life. A series you’ll love! – Four concerts starting at €117.
"Stefan has performed with us several times, and this residency is a natural next step in our musical partnership. He has incredible technique and a crystal-clear, rich tone that never loses its clarity."
- Sven Arne Tepl, general and artistic director Residentie Orkest
A violin that's way too expensive
For the past year, Stefan has been playing the “Rossi,” which was made in Venice around 1730 by the renowned cello and violin maker Domenico Montagnana. He discovered the violin in a shop in New York and immediately felt a connection, something familiar. ‘But of course, it was far too expensive.’ He was allowed to borrow the instrument for a year if he could find a buyer within that time. Fortunately, that happened just in time. ‘I’ve been very lucky and am incredibly happy with it. Every musician seeks a certain sound, and this violin was exactly what I was looking for. It’s versatile, allows for great nuance, and feels both familiar and innovative at the same time.’
Stefan’s Sessions
Because he owes so much to his own teachers, Stefan sees teaching as an important part of his work, including during his residency with the Residentie Orkest the Royal Conservatory. “Every now and then you come across a brilliant self-taught musician, but most musicians build their careers in music thanks to good teachers.” During the pandemic, he launched Stefan’s Sessions, a free online series of lessons designed to make violin instruction more accessible. For him, teaching is not only about inspiring others and passing on knowledge, but also about deepening his own understanding. “By explaining music, I understand it better myself. Even if I’ve played something a hundred times.”
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Grand yet intimate
When Stefan was asked to serve as artist-in-residence, he didn’t have to think twice. He enjoys working with chief conductor Jun Märkl and has fond memories of previous concerts with the Residentie Orkest. He Amare also enthusiastic about Amare : “Sometimes you’re in a hall battling the acoustics, but Amare the art of being both grand and intimate.” The program appeals to him, featuring, among other works, Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, a piece of great personal significance. “It’s fairytale-like, dark, and tender all at once. One of the most beautiful pieces ever written for the violin.”
Just the right moment
For Stefan, his residency with the Residentie Orkest comes Residentie Orkest exactly the right time: ‘I’ve learned a lot in recent years, including about teaching. The standard of the orchestra is high, and I feel I have enough to offer to really make my residency meaningful.’ He’s also looking forward to exploring The Hague, especially its many restaurants. And for an avid runner like Stefan, the flat, walkable Netherlands is ideal: ‘I go running everywhere I go, and The Hague is the perfect place for a run.’