Véronique Mathieu is a Canadian violinist and professor of music who has made a name for herself in the classical music world. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 22, 1981, Mathieu grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a pianist, and her mother was a singer, so it was only natural that she would develop an interest in music at a young age. Mathieu began playing the violin when she was just four years old, and by the time she was six, she was already performing in public. She studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 2003. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 2005 and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in 2010. Throughout her career, Mathieu has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. She has also performed in numerous music festivals, including the Banff Centre for the Arts, the Orford Arts Centre, and the Festival de Lanaudière. One of Mathieu's most notable performances was her debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 2005. She performed the Violin Concerto No. 1 by Dmitri Shostakovich, which was met with critical acclaim. The Montreal Gazette praised her performance, saying, "Mathieu's playing was technically flawless, but it was her emotional depth that truly set her apart." In addition to her performances, Mathieu is also an accomplished educator. She has taught at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Ottawa. She is currently a professor of music at the University of Kansas, where she teaches violin and chamber music. Mathieu has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2003, she was awarded the Prix d'Europe, which is one of the most prestigious awards for young musicians in Canada. She was also a finalist in the 2005 Montreal Symphony Orchestra Standard Life Competition and the 2006 Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. In 2012, Mathieu released her debut album, "East Meets West," which features works by composers from both Eastern and Western traditions. The album was well-received by critics, with the Toronto Star calling it "a stunning debut." Mathieu is also a strong advocate for contemporary music. She has commissioned and premiered numerous works by Canadian composers, including Ana Sokolović, Jocelyn Morlock, and Andrew Staniland. She has also collaborated with other artists, such as the Gryphon Trio and the Penderecki String Quartet. In addition to her musical pursuits, Mathieu is also a dedicated philanthropist. She is the founder of the Véronique Mathieu Violin Scholarship, which provides financial support to young violinists in Canada. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Canadian Music Centre and the Canadian Music Competition. Overall, Véronique Mathieu is a talented and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the classical music world. Her performances, teaching, and advocacy for contemporary music have earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada's most prominent violinists.

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