Homage to Paganini. Partita and Caprice for Solo Violin – 2025-10-31 - live in Holywell St Oxford OX13SE , Oct 31, 2025

Classical

Was he a genius musician or a grand mystifier? Who was Niccolò Paganini — born on 27 October — whose name still evokes wonder, brilliance, and mystery? Recognised by his contemporaries as an extraordinary violinist and composer, today we might add ‘master of personal branding’ to his titles. Eyewitnesses recalled that after a concert in Vienna, emulation of Paganini swept beyond music into fashion and even billiards: gloves ‘à la Paganini’, haircuts ‘à la Paganini’, and even billiard strokes ‘à la Paganini’. His hypnotic presence also left a lasting imprint on fellow composers. He was admired, imitated, and his works became the foundation for countless transcriptions.
The festival takes place at the stunning St George’s Church, Hanover Square — a church forever associated with the music. With its great acoustics, intimate space, and deep historical roots in live performance since Handel’s time, the venue is a perfect match for a celebration of Paganini’s legacy. St George’s offers both spiritual atmosphere and vibrant sound — an ideal setting for candlelit chamber concerts that revive Romanticism in all its expressive force.

This intimate candlelight concert showcases the raw brilliance and emotional depth of the solo violin — a journey into the world of virtuosity, vulnerability, and vision.Inspired by the legacy of Niccolò Paganini, the programme brings together his iconic solo Caprices with contrasting masterpieces by J.S. Bach and Eugène Ysaÿe. Each composer explores the expressive and technical potential of the instrument, from sacred architecture to daring showmanship.Whether you are a seasoned classical music lover or a curious listener, this concert offers a rare opportunity to hear these masterpieces as they were meant to be — up close, personal, and profoundly human.

About performer
Victor Caparnagiu was born in Romania and started playing violin at the age of 6, having already developed a love for violin from the influence of his grandfather who was himself a violinist. During his teenage years he lived in Spain following the conservatoire route after which he moved to London to finish his undergraduate studies in performance with teachers Boris Brovtsyn, Lana Trotovtsek.

His artistry has been honed in masterclasses by virtuoso violinists such as Michael Bochmann, John Crawford, Ofer Falk, Mayumi Fujikawa, Mauro Rossi, Yaron Thaub, Mirabai Weismehl and Rivka Golani.
He plays regularly with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and English Chamber Orchestra.

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