Barbara Kurmann
More than 20.3k times played this month
Barbara studied in Winterthur, participated in masterclasses in Germany and England, received scholarships for further studies in Oxford, where she completed the 'twelve lessons course' of Kato Havas, and Rotterdam where she graduated with honors. Barbara performs with various chamber music formations both domestically and internationally.
Barbara loves many different styles of music; traditional classical and light music. With the ensemble Conforto, she performs grand classical works in small ensembles, an extensive repertoire of Baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th-century composers. She plays lighter music in the ensemble 'Dames Danzi'; from light classical to ragtimes, film music, tangos, and improvisation.
Barbara's passion for singing, something she has done for many years alongside the violin, is reflected in the pleasure with which she performs her role as the principal concertmaster at Holland Symphony Orchestra. Since 2002, Barbara has been teaching violin/viola/ensemble in various places. In her lessons, the pursuit of a balance between harmonic movements and musical expression is central. The violin lessons are based on the principles of Kato Havas and Paul Rolland.
Barbara had the special privilege of studying with Kato Havas in Oxford. It turned out to be a great source of inspiration. Kato Havas has developed an entirely new way of playing the violin and teaching. She taught Barbara how to express music in a very natural, direct way through her instrument, without forced or painfully learned postures. This benefits Barbara daily in her teaching.
Barbara enjoys experiencing how everyone can enjoy music at their own level and express themselves through the violin.
