First performing as a violinist at age 7, Jonathon has enjoyed 53 years of continuous work with the violin and has a staggering 130 different programs under his belt.
He has performed in many parts of the world, including private concerts for royalty, and has won glowing reviews for his rich, powerful sound and intense musical style but also a particular approach that makes classical music accessible.
Living back in Australia after many years abroad, Jonathon has taken to presenting dozens of regional locations and would like to travel around the country.
“Country people are the backbone of the nation, and I can’t think of a better way to get to know Australia.
“I’ve given many concerts elsewhere in the world and glad I have made it back home in time to have this experience.
“Classical music is such a difficult undertaking. I not only find myself practising for longer hours but also with much greater care despite my experience.
“Being an instrumentalist is an entire lifestyle with diet and exercise very much central to the preparation process and keeping the machine oiled.
“At the end of the day, you have to make it work for the audience as a form of entertainment or it is a waste of time.”
The programs draw on some of the greatest classical works ever written - the violin concerto by Felix Mendelssohn, Sonatas by Beethoven and Franck with a series of Nocturne Themed miniatures by Chopin, Debussy and Faure.
“We are playing so much all the time anyway it makes sense to go for the major works of the repertoire and deliver world class programs in our visits to regional Australia. The audiences are a delight to perform for and really appreciate hearing this level of music,” Jonathon said.
Pianist Nicky Poznak is currently undertaking advanced studies at the University of Adelaide.
“I met Nicky Poznak at a lunchtime recital a year ago. She’d chosen a master work which is notoriously difficult, Carnaval by Schuman,” Jonathon explained.
“It was very impressive and unusual to see not only such a great command of the instrument but also the rich intense sound and deep characterful musicality.
“I’ve not a doubt that she will become a performing artist of great note.”
“People often ask about Jonathon’s instrument. “There is a lot of romanticism about having some exotic old Italian violin,” he said.
“But more than often than not they are fragile antiques that perhaps should not be moved around too much.
“You wouldn’t put a Model T Ford on a racetrack so why do the equivalent with a violin? I use a fine serviceable modern made instrument that works beautifully well and is more realistically affordable.”
