19 year old Canadian violist EMAD ZOLFAGHARI recently came to international attention after winning the first prize and audience prize at the 2024 Primrose International Viola Competition. Emad was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music at age 16, where he currently studies with Hsin-Yun Huang. Other major competition prizes include first prize at the Klein International String Competition and the International Morningside Music Bridge Competition, second at the Johansen International String Competition and third at the Concours OSM String Competition.
Solo appearances include the Montreal Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre Métropolitain, National Philharmonic, Oakville Chamber Orchestra, Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra and National Metropolitan Philharmonic.
Emad currently plays on a fine 1700 Matteo Goffriller viola on generous loan from the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, and a Eugène Sartory bow from CANIMEX, inc.
About our Rising Stars
ChamberFest Cleveland’s Rising Stars are recognized for their extraordinary talent. They are invited to deepen their connection to the art of chamber music by immersing themselves in the festival, rehearsing side by side with the leading chamber musicians of our time, and performing in a professional concert setting for discerning audiences and critics alike.
The Rising Stars program is generously supported by Michael Frank and the late Pat Snyder.