An interview with violinist Victor Romanul
and LiveARTS Board Member David Burnham
David: You studied with Jascha Heifitz. What was it like to study with him? What was the audition like?
Victor: Jascha Heifitz was my teacher in 1980-81 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. These were group lessons, held twice a week. There were 2 other students when I started, and 5 when I left. The audition consisted of him mentioning the middle of one piece after another, and I had to play from memory from the general repertoire, which was not announced in advance.
David: What is it like to have Lisa as both your musical collaborator and your spouse?
Victor: We have always played together, but we have begun playing together much more often now that our five children are grown.
David: Tell us about performing and recording a work written by John Williams for you and Michael Zaretsky.
Victor: John Williams came backstage after one of of my Duo recitals with violist Michael Zaretsky. Michael asked him to write us a violin and viola Duo. Several years later, the "Duo Concertante" arrived in the mail at Michael's house, and we subsequently performed and recorded it. Working on refining it at John's home with Michael was one of the highlights of my performing life. He remains a good friend.
David: Why are you supporting LiveARTS by performing in this benefit concert?
Victor: I love to perform solo. I do a lot of solo recital and concerto performing. It is exciting to bring a high level of performance to places outside of the big cities. I am very impressed by the time and effort people bring to build up these local concert series. It will be a great pleasure to perform at LiveARTS.
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