Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Steven Staryk was a Canadian violinist who was born on January 9, 1932, in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of Ukrainian immigrants who had settled in Canada. Staryk's father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, so it was natural for him to be interested in music from a young age. Staryk began playing the violin when he was just four years old, and by the time he was six, he was already performing in public. He studied with some of the best violin teachers in Canada, including Kathleen Parlow and Albert Pratz. He also studied with Ivan Galamian in New York City, who was one of the most renowned violin teachers of the 20th century. Staryk's talent as a violinist was evident from a young age, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most promising young musicians in Canada. He made his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra when he was just 12 years old, and he went on to perform with many other orchestras in Canada and the United States. In 1950, Staryk won the prestigious Eaton's National Music Competition, which was one of the most important music competitions in Canada at the time. This win helped to launch his career as a professional musician, and he began to perform more frequently in public. Staryk's career really took off in the 1960s, when he began to perform internationally. He made his debut in London in 1961, and he went on to perform in many other countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. He also performed with some of the most famous orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. Staryk was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to perform difficult pieces with ease. He was particularly known for his performances of the works of Bach, which he played with great sensitivity and technical skill. He was also known for his performances of contemporary music, and he premiered many new works by Canadian composers. Staryk was the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1965, he was awarded the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Canadian citizen. He was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 1995. Staryk continued to perform and teach throughout his life, and he was a beloved figure in the Canadian music community. He taught at the University of Toronto for many years, and he also taught at the Banff Centre for the Arts. He was known for his generosity and his willingness to help young musicians, and he inspired many people to pursue careers in music. Staryk passed away on July 15, 2020, at the age of 88. His legacy as one of Canada's greatest violinists will live on, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for many years to come.

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