Stefan Jackiw, violin and Kevin Ahfat, piano

One of America’s foremost violinists, Jackiw (pronounced jak-eef’) captivates audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique. He recently performed Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with the New York Philharmonic. The Boston Globe hailed his “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity.” In 2024, Jackiw performed Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra, released his recording of the complete violin sonatas of Charles Ives with his longtime collaborator, pianist Jeremy Denk, and appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and the Suwon Philharmonic in South Korea.

Jackiw is one-third of the Junction Trio along with pianist Conrad Tao and cellist Jay Campbell. They recently performed at the 92NY, showcasing a program featuring the world premiere of a new work by John Zorn, followed by Jackiw’s residence at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Born to physicist parents of Korean and Ukrainian descent, Stefan Jackiw began playing the violin at the age of four. He is the recipient of a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Ahfat has been described as an artist that “leaves no question about his riveting presentation and technical finesse.” (Seattle Times) He performs and records as a core member of the three-time Grammy-nominated ARC Ensemble, one of Canada’s preeminent chamber ensembles. Ahfat was named one of CBC Music’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30 in 2018.

Continuing his dynamic exploration of music in-tandem with film, he recently partnered with Riddle Films to release a cinematic performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition filmed live at Toronto’s Koerner Hall. He is Artistic Director of OPUS Chamber Music, Toronto’s newest premier hub for chamber music connecting audiences with dynamic and compelling artists who aim to excite, connect, and inspire.

Tickets are $40, under age 18 admitted free. Buy four or more admissions, good at any concert, in a FlexSub and pay $35 per ticket. A subscription to the full season is $210 or $30 per ticket. Purchase tickets here: https://friendsofmusicconcerts.org/