Jun Iwasaki is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a violinist, conductor, and educator. Born in Tokyo, Japan, on August 28, 1983, Iwasaki began playing the violin at the age of three. His parents, both professional musicians, recognized his talent early on and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Iwasaki's early training was rigorous, and he quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy. He studied with some of the most respected violin teachers in Japan, including Toshiya Eto and Koichiro Harada. At the age of 12, he won first prize in the prestigious All-Japan Student Music Competition, which launched his career as a soloist. In 1998, Iwasaki moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. He continued to excel as a performer, winning numerous awards and competitions, including the Juilliard Concerto Competition and the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. He also studied conducting with James DePreist and David Zinman, which would later become an important part of his career. After graduating from Juilliard in 2005, Iwasaki joined the Oregon Symphony as its concertmaster, a position he held for eight years. During his tenure, he became known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to lead the orchestra with precision and passion. He also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Carlos Kalmar, James DePreist, and Christoph von Dohnányi. In addition to his work with the Oregon Symphony, Iwasaki has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan. He has also appeared at major music festivals, such as the Aspen Music Festival and the Pacific Music Festival. Iwasaki's repertoire is diverse, ranging from classical works by Bach and Mozart to contemporary pieces by John Adams and Philip Glass. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, whose violin concertos he has performed with great success. In addition to his performing career, Iwasaki is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted orchestras in the United States, Japan, and Europe, and has served as the music director of the New York String Orchestra Seminar and the Oregon Symphony's Waterfront Concerts. He is also a sought-after educator, teaching master classes and workshops around the world. Throughout his career, Iwasaki has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2008, he was named one of Musical America's "Top 30 Professionals of the Year," and in 2010, he received the Young Alumni Achievement Award from the Juilliard School. He has also been recognized for his commitment to community engagement and education, receiving the Oregon Symphony's "Musician of the Year" award in 2012. Today, Iwasaki continues to perform, conduct, and teach, inspiring audiences and musicians around the world with his passion and artistry. His dedication to classical music and his commitment to excellence have made him one of the most respected and admired artists of his generation.

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