Ivan Stefanović
Musician Spotlight by Jacob Jahiel
Ivan Stefanović
VIOLIN
Now in his 33rd season , Associate Principal Second Violin Ivan Stefanović might be described as something of a “ fixture ” of Baltimore ’ s musical scene — except that the word would wrongly imply a tendency to stay put .
When not on stage , the Belgrade-born violinist is likely to be found walking — always with great speed and purpose — within what he calls his “ triangle ” between the Meyerhoff ; the Baltimore School for the Arts , where he coaches private students and ensembles ; as well as the Peabody Preparatory Departments of Johns Hopkins University , where he also holds a faculty position . He also maintains a private studio at his home ( the former residence of BSO Board Chair Barry Rosen , a Small-timorean coincidence that occurred entirely by accident ).
Teaching is an important aspect of Stefanović ’ s musical life , and he looks forward to “ that moment when a student really understands what I am telling them , tries it , and gets that sparkle in their eye .”
Appropriate for a musician whose dedication to the BSO is paralleled only by his commitment to the futures of so many young musicians , Stefanović now occupies a newly endowed chair : The Sylvia de Cuevas Associate Principal Second Violin Chair . “ It ’ s a privilege to be sitting in that chair ,” Stefanović says . “ I ’ ve been waiting for this moment ; it ’ s important in that it represents completion of the inner circle of leadership within the orchestra .”
For the de Cuevas family , the decision to endow Ivan ’ s position was an easy one : “ We believe in the importance of endowment to best sustain the Orchestra for generations to come .” Sylvia ’ s love for the violin , and Ivan ' s long tenure with the Orchestra and strong commitment to education also resonated with the whole family .
The de Cuevas family and Ivan also share another fun Small-timorean connection that began almost two decades ago : the Stefanović children and Sylvia ' s grandchildren were classmates at Roland Park Elementary and Middle School !
MITRO HOOD
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