IONEL MANCIU stands out from other violinists of his generation for his energy and his bold, passionate playing.
Born in Bender, Moldova, the 31-year-old is a prize-winner of numerous national and international competitions, having made his debut with the National Chamber Orchestra of Moldova at the age of just ten.
In 2012, Ionel won the opportunity to study at London's Guildhall College of Music and Theatre with the brilliant Japanese violinist and pedagogue David Takeno. While still studying, Manciu has already soloed in prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Barbican Hall.
Manciu's great passion and love for orchestral repertoire has attracted the attention of the best orchestras and conductors, and he has been offered the post of First Concertmaster of the Netherlands Philharmonic. In addition, Ionel is regularly invited to perform as solo concertmaster in orchestras around the world, including the Rotterdam Philharmonic and the Gulbenkian.
Another of Manciu's favourite fields is chamber music. His initiative led to the formation of the Mithras Trio, which won the 10th Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition and the 67th Royal Overseas League Competition. Last November, the trio released its first album, Eros, on Linn Records.
Interestingly, Ionel Manciu plays a Gagliano violin on loan from the UK-based Tompkins Tate Musical Instruments Foundation, whose sound is often compared to that of Stradivarius himself.
