Erika Raum

Known for her "engaging sensitivity and a gorgeously full tone," [THE STRAD], Canadian violinist Erika Raum continues developing a following here in her native country and internationally. Playing professionally since the age of twelve, Ms. Raum quickly rose through the ranks by taking first place at the 1992 Joseph Szigeti International Violin Competition in Budapest as well as the award for best interpretation of a Mozart concerto. She has returned on many occasions to perform in Hungary, Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Germany, England, Italy and France. She has appeared as guest artist with such orchestras as the Budapest Radio Orchestra, the Szombathely Symphony Orchestra, the Austro-Hungarian Orchestra, and the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra.

A distinguished musician abroad, Erika also performs frequently throughout her homeland with orchestral appearances in cities such as Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, Halifax, and Edmonton. Both a recitalist and chamber musician, some of her recent international highlights include the Festival Pablo Casals in Prades France, Beethoven Festival in Warsaw, the BargeMusic Festival in New York, Seattle Chamber Music Festival and past invitation include the Budapest Spring Festival, Szombathely Festival in Hungary, Carnegie Hall as well as the Caramoor and Prussia Cove festivals. Last summer saw her perform at the Festival Pablo Casals and at the Chamber Festival in Perpigman, France. Her performances are often heard on an array of radio networks like CBC across Canada and the NPR in the USA.

As a recording artist, Erika joined internationally renowned pianist Anton Kuerti in releasing the world premiere recording of Carl Czerny's piano and violin works. Recorded on this country's most active label, Musica Viva of CBC Records, this premiere recording highlights the masterfully composed, powerfully expressive works by the precocious composer during his teen years. Her most recent release for the Arktos label consisted of the Brahms Horn Trio and another recording premiere: Pantheon by the esteemed composer (and mother!) Elizabeth Raum. With pianist Lydia Wong, they will soon record the complete violin and piano works of Krystof Penderecki.

In 1993, Elizabeth Raum wrote her a violin concerto entitled "Faces of Woman." The work was commissioned by the Regina Symphony Orchestra and broadcast nationally by the CBC. Erika's sister, Jessica Raum, produced and directed the award winning documentary "Like Mother, Like Daughter" which recorded the event.

Erika is a graduate of the University of Toronto where she studied with the late Professor Lorand Fenyves and was awarded the prestigious Eaton Scholarship upon her graduation. She is also a recipient of The Canada Council for the Arts - Career Development Grant. Ms. Raum is currently on the faculties of the Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto and the University of Toronto. She continues her presence on the summer faculty of The Banff Centre for the Arts and has been a guest teacher at the Orford Arts Centre this summer.