Working with Vivi Vassileva in Zürich
- Stephanie Childress
- Mar 24
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 26
I was delighted to make my Swiss debut in Zürich with the Zürcher Kammerorchester at ZKO-Haus, and especially to collaborate with the exceptional percussionist Vivi Vassileva.
Programmes like this are always exciting to share, not only because of the range of colour and character in the music, but because they invite a true sense of dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Vivi brought exactly that: extraordinary energy, precision and imagination, alongside a stage presence that is both natural and compelling. From the first rehearsal, it was clear that she combines formidable technical command with a real sensitivity to line, texture and atmosphere.
Working with a percussion soloist in this context brings a different kind of musical conversation. So much of the performance depends on detail, timing and shared instinct, and I was always amazed by Vivi’s ability to balance virtuosity with dazzling imagination. She has an infectious commitment to the music that lifted the entire performance.
The programme, featuring music by John Corigliano, Jean Françaix and Igor Stravinsky, offered a wonderful range of contrasts and demands.
Concerts like this are a reminder of how inspiring collaboration can be — the meeting of different musical personalities, shared focus in rehearsal, and that unique live exchange with an audience in performance. My thanks to the Zürcher Kammerorchester, Vivi Vassileva, and to everyone who joined us at the Tonhalle for such a vibrant evening.
Images courtesy of Zürcher Kammerorchester
