At 18, Ryan Howland already has an impressive list of accomplishments. HeBԪַs studied under some of the best violinists in the world and published an autobiography about his path to becoming a soloist.
The former Victoria resident is about to tick two more items off his bucket list: performing as a soloist at the Victoria Symphony Splash and completing his music degree in Germany.
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Growing up in a musically talented family BԪַ his mother taught piano at the Victoria Conservatory of Music; his father, Brad, is principal trombonist with the Victoria Symphony BԪַ HowlandBԪַs passion for violin began at a young age.
Howland busked in downtown Victoria and had earned enough money at 13 for a trip to Switzerland to study under world-famous Russian violinist, Zakhar Bron. For the past two years he has studied with violinist/conductor Viktor Tretyakov at the International Blackmore Music Academy in Berlin. In that time Howland has played numerous concerts in Europe with his school and as a soloist.
Beginning this fall, heBԪַs taking his studies to the next level, completing his bachelorBԪַs degree at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, studying under violinist Ulrich Edelmann.
BԪַIBԪַm excited. ItBԪַs a big city,BԪַ said Howland, who enjoys playing classical pieces by Niccolo Paganini and Johann Sebastian Bach. BԪַ[Edelmann] is trying to show me the best way to find my own sense of the music, looking past the technical aspect BԪַ HeBԪַs trying to show me how much deeper you can go with the music itself.BԪַ
Howland anticipates returning to Victoria for the upcoming Symphony Splash and performing at a concert he grew up watching with his parents.
BԪַIBԪַm looking forward to it. IBԪַve always felt closer to it [the symphony]. Now I finally get to play with them, so itBԪַs even more special,BԪַ said Howland, who hasnBԪַt been home since leaving for Germany two years ago.
The 28th annual Symphony Splash, which also includes a performance by eight-year-old , the youngest soloist in the eventBԪַs history, takes place in VictoriaBԪַs Inner Harbour on Sunday, Aug. 6.
WATCH: Victoria Symphony music director maestro Christian Kluxen talks about the 28th annual Symphony Splash.
Howland is also performing Aug. 11 at the First Metropolitan United Church (932 Balmoral Rd.), in a concert to raise funds for his schooling in Frankfurt. The set includes pieces by Johannes Brahm, Mozart and Bach, with accompaniment by pianist Jannie Burdeti.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and can be purchased at Long & McQuade, IvyBԪַs Bookshop or at the door. For more information, email howland.art.music@gmail.com.