Jascha Heifetz Society

An Azusa Pacific School of Music partnership with the renowned Jascha Heifetz Society has brought the nonprofit educational organization's master classes and concerts to the APU campus. The society honors the life and career of violinist Jascha Heifetz (1899-1987). Heifetz performed with major international orchestras, edited most of the violin repertoire for purchase and study available today, and recorded more than any other violinist. "Jascha Heifetz's legacy in terms of violin playing is significant," said Ruth Meints, assistant professor of music. "He was considered to be the most accurate and talented violinist in the world."

The society's four-hour long master classes are geared toward individuals, inspiring unique personality development in their playing style. The personalized approach encourages musicians to become artists, not just technical players. Students selected to participate receive full scholarships. Funds for the scholarships were raised through concerts given by contemporary violin virtuosos Tibor Varga, founder of the Tibor Varga Chamber Orchestra in Germany; Joseph Silverstein, former concertmaster and assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony; and Pierre Amoyal, the youngest musician to be a nominated professor at the Paris Conservatory.

In addition to the extraordinary exposure and experience string students glean from the master classes, the Heifetz Society has had a significant impact on the surrounding musical community. "Our association with this highly respected, world-renowned music society has created a new awareness of Azusa Pacific throughout the entire Los Angeles musical community," said Duane Funderburk, DMA, dean of the School of Music.

The society will be with APU through spring 2001, at which time a continuation of the program will be discussed at an end-of-year review meeting.

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