ANN FONTANELLA

Violinist

Ann Fontanella is the last protégé of the "Old Russian School" style of violin play and pedagogy that has been passed down from virtuosos for over 150 years. The Old Russian style emphasizes a warm and rich romantic tone with exacting precision. 

​

At age seven, Ann was selected to begin studying under Sherry Kloss, Jascha Heifetz's teaching assistant. Ann debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 10.

​

At the age of 14, Ann was one of the youngest artists ever accepted to Yale University's School of Music. Later that year she appeared on NPR's From the Top to critical acclaim. Ann released her debut album Bach, Schubert, Bruch in 2005.

​

In addition to being a violinist, Ann is also a commissioned composer. In 1999, 2001, 2004 and 2005 she was an award recipient in the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composers Competition.