Biography

Nazrin Rashidova MMus, DipRAM, BMus, LRAM

Azerbaijani-British violinist, Nazrin Rashidova has been performing on stage since early childhood, making her concert debut at the age of 3 in one of the most prestigious halls in Baku. Just half a year later, she performed in the Anglo-American University in Cairo. At the same time, she was already appearing with orchestras in the Egyptian Capital. It was her debut solo recital in two halves, in 1994 which won her recognition and a Gold Medal awarded by the Cairo Opera House for being the first musician and child (in the history of the Opera House) to perform an exceptional programme of brilliance at the tender age of six.

Nazrin was accepted to The Purcell School of Music in 1995 and was the first pupil in the history of the school to have played on a 1/4 size violin gifted to the school by the Royal family, previously belonging to one of HRH The Prince of Wales’ sons.

In 1998, Nazrin became the youngest semi-finalist (aged ten) in the history of the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. Later on, she was a participant and prizewinner in several international competitions and festivals including, Henry Wieniawski in Poland, Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and the Queen Elisabeth in Belgium. Nazrin’s achievements have culminated in a nomination to attend the Woman of The Year Lunch 2006 in London for her accomplishments in music.

In 2003, Nazrin was exceptionally accepted to The Royal Academy of Music at the age of 15, successfully graduating with a Master of Music Degree and several other high awards for notable achievement during her studies. Nazrin also had the opportunity to play on very rare violins by Antonio Stradivari, including “1666”, “1699 Crespi”, “1718 Maurin”, and “1711 Parke”. She was also the first student to be lent the “1707 Castelbarco” by Stradivari for a period of two years. During her education, Nazrin has studied in the classes of Professors Lydia Mordkovich, Felix Andrievsky and Erich Gruenberg OBE.

Nazrin’s most notable appearances have included performing for the ex- President of Azerbaijan in Cairo, Baku and London. Nazrin has also had the privilege of performing for HRH The Prince of Wales on two occasions; at Buckingham Palace in 1995 and a private recital at St. James’ Palace in 2000. In 2001, Nazrin played for HM The Queen of Jordan during a charity concert in aid of MAIC in London. In September 2010, Nazrin was invited to perform at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall in the presentation of the ‘Azerbaijani Woman’ Magazine.

She has also given numerous concerts and recitals in the U.S.A, France, Germany, Poland, Egypt, Japan and in London at the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, St. Martin- in- the –Fields, Cadogan Hall, St John’s Smith Square and Westminster Central Hall.

In 2008, Nazrin founded FeMusa String Ensemble - Britain’s first female chamber orchestra in under 60 years! They have successfully performed in several prestigious venues in London, where one of their concerts were featured on BBC World News.

Nazrin’s extensive repertoire encompasses under 40 Concertos and a large number of Chamber and Virtuoso works.

Upcoming concerts include a Duo Recital on 21st October at St. James's Church Piccadilly, in collaboration with guitarist, Stanislav Hvartchilkov.

Nazrin is now playing on a violin after G.B Guadagnini Milan 1753 'Straus' (Royal Academy of Music Collection) by Professor David Rattray, London 2009 and with an 1890 Lamy bow, generously gifted to her by James Smillie.