Andrei Bio 2

Andrei attends the advanced strings program at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp for the second year.

Andrei placed first in the 5th annual International Competition
for Young Violinists in Honour of Karol Lipinski and Henryk Wieniawski in the junior divison. He enjoyed his time in Lublin, Poland, and after his win his parents stayed an extra three days to explore. His winnings included the Golden Violin award and 7000PLN ($2,236 USD).

Andrei begins going to the Dalton School. After much work and dedication from his parents, he is finally taken off the wait list and accepted. After four years of Spanish, his parents decide to enroll him in French. He also specializes in violin for music training and is enrolled in two after school activities, chess and fencing.

Andrei attends classes for his fourth year at Julliard. Once again, at the commencement ceremony, he is given lead solo. His teacher Catherine Chang, remained with him for private tutoring. Upon jury, he is welcomed back for a fifth year.

At the age of nine, Andrei auditioned for the directors of the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic and was immediately asked to perform. He made his debut in New York playing Paganini's Violin Concerto No. 1. From this point on he would be recognized as a child prodigy.

Andrei debuts with the Berlin Philharmonic playing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3.

Andrei placed first in the youth division and became, at 9, the youngest winner in competition history. The competition was held at the Royal Academy of Music in London. His win was reported by a wide array of press, including the New York Times and Gramophone magazine. This win propelled him to near celebrity, as he was interviewed by media and made TV appearances. Along with this, he is asked by a large selection of orchestras for engagements.

Andrei wins first place in the Valsesia Musica International Competition youth division B heat in Varallo, Italy, winning the Kawai Prize. He won a medal, plate, and first prize diploma, as well as 2,500 euro or $3,293 USD. His parents stayed longer for vacation and also because Andrei was asked to preform with the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome.

After winning the Competition in Varallo, Andre was asked to perform with the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in the Auditorio Pio in Rome. He performed a set of three Beethoven pieces with the orchestra, Sonata Op23,24, and 96. He received a standing ovation.

Over eight years since his parents defection, they return due to Andrei's entry into the 1995 George Enescu international Festival and Competition. His winnings included the Grand Prix prize as well as 15,000 Euro (1$9,614 USD). Andrei's entry was extremely controversial within the country, but his playing seemed to quell most of the discomfort. Anton's parents refused to see him, as well as Camelia's brother Vasile. However, Camelia's brother Mihail and her parents welcomed the family with open arms. After the competition they stayed in Sibiu with her family. Another highlight of this event is that Andrei played before the president of Romania, Ion Iliescu.