iPalpiti History

Eduard Schmieder United States Founding Member

Temple University Distinguished Professor, L.H. Carnell Chair of Violin.

"Extraordinary musician of the late 20th Century" "Classical music is the spiritual factor which brings people together and unites them, irrespective of religion and culture, appealing to sublime senses."–Eduard Schmieder

Lord Yehudi Menuhin United Kingdom Founding Member

Legendary Musician and visionary of the 20th Century.

"[iPalpiti] is an organization that consists of active and practicing musicians following the dictates of their conscience; i.e., their responsibility to the younger generations." "[Menuhin] was a giant in this century as a violinist, musician and a personality within the musical world." –Violinist Itzhak Perlman

With the blessing and support of the late Lord Yehudi Menuhin – after years of collaboration, friendship, and conversations about the future of classical music with Eduard and Laura Schmieder – Young Artists International* was born in 1997. Renowned musicians – an "A" list in classical music – joined as Artistic Advisors. With the help of these distinguished artists, YAI has been discovering and promoting exceptional prize-winners from around the globe, age 19-32, securing a future generation of artists who will pass on the traditions of the great musicians, and are destined to be leading players in the classical music world. In our mission to assist in advancing the careers of young, professional, talented classical musicians, the program grew from a six-artist festival in 1998 into an annual production of international significance, with iPalpiti orchestral ensemble of international laureates and Maestro Eduard Schmieder as founder and conductor. In addition to presenting the iPalpiti Festival of International Laureates at our home base in Los Angeles, iPalpiti destinations have included Japan, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Korea, Austria, Slovenia, Israel – performing to sold-out audiences in prestigious venues and invited as ensemble-in-residence. And the annual "Benefactors Concert Series" is presented throughout the year in private estates.

Ida Haendel United Kingdom, Canada Honorary President

 

Legendary violinist "[iPalpiti] is a concept of great importance to the musical scene…I therefore applaud and support this project with great enthusiasm and hope that all those who have genuine interest in music will give their support and encouragement to this exciting event."

Since 1998, iPalpiti Artists International has:

• Presented awards and scholarships to over 200 outstanding young musicians in 32 countries.
• Presented more than 400 private and public concerts promoting young exceptional artists nationwide, including international tours.
• Released 15 CDs of iPalpiti Orchestra & Soloists in live performances.
• Created the Mentor Program and Student Coalition for the Arts for 7-12th graders to nurture the growth of interests, personal confidence and building a future audience.
• Released a short documentary about iPalpiti and its Festival

In 2007, iPalpiti celebrated its 10th anniversary with a New York Carnegie Hall debut (to a rave review in the New York Times). Establishing its bi-coastal presence, iPalpiti is an invited ensemble-in-residence at Temple University in Philadelphia, and the "Benefactors Concert Series" has been presented in New York at the home of Charles Avery & Susan Fisher since 2007. In 2009, iPalpiti is invited to expand its festival to the East Coast, again as artists-in-residence at Temple University, with performances in Philadelphia (Kimmel Center), New Jersey, and a finale concert at Carnegie Hall on March 5, 2009. Laureate alumni have established sought-after solo and chamber ensemble careers, and have taken leading positions in major international orchestras such as the Chicago, Berlin, Jerusalem, Monte Carlo, Bavarian State and Munich Symphonies, London and Israel Philharmonic, Dresden Staatskapelle, etc. (see Alumni Achievements)  Several have exclusive recording contracts and prominent management and are considered premier musicians of their generation, already making an enormous impact on the music world. iPalpiti Artists International and its Festival has been the subject of praised feature articles in prestigious national and international publications such as the STRAD magazine (1999, 2004), Strings magazine (1998, 2004), and the Los Angeles Times (1998, 2003), that called the Festival's performances "take-your-breath away demonstrations of musicianship and technique."

*In May 2008 we have officially changed “Young” name to iPalpiti Artists International to fully reflect the caliber & professionalism of the young artists of our featured orchestral ensemble known as iPalpiti. As we focus on one name, iPalpiti Artists International, we hope to build a stronger single identity. Our 501(c)(3) status remains the same. .