<<  -- 3 --  Ted Kendall    DEVOTION TO PERFORMANCE

Born in the former USSR, Sakharova is the latest addition to a long line of Eastern European talents that have emerged in the last decade. What sets Sakharova apart from others, however, is her devotion to all facets of concert performance, which includes, but is not limited to, the race for solo stardom. 'I enjoy playing just about any branch of classical music, but I must admit that my passion is chamber music and I hope to form a string quartet, while also maintaining my career as a solo performer. At the same time, I also consider the idea of playing in a first-rate orchestra to be a great opportunity.'

Very few top-notch performers today are able to balance successful solo careers with regular ensemble performances. Only two string quartets immediately spring to mind: The Zehetmair Quartet features renowned violinist and conductor Thomas Zehetmair, and of the younger generation, the rising-star Phaedrus String Quartet boasts only one big name -- that of first violinist, Ilya Gringolts.

'It is definitely difficult to achieve this balance,' continued Sakharova, 'but there is something deep within my heart, which is both fulfilled and expressed when I play in a string quartet setting, particularly when all four members "click" with one another. When I was studying at Oberlin, I had a very serious group -- the Erato Quartet -- and with much hard work, dedication and love, we ended up winning several big awards for ensembles. Since that experience, I have become much more aware of my goals as an artist.'

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