Composer Wolfgang Marschner, whose works are heard here alongside that of Eugene Ysaye, writes, “Duo Penny-Starkloff, while maintaining the traditional and unique timbre of two violins, also succeeds excellently in bringing new life to the embodiment of the concept. This provided me with a valuable incentive to compose my Symphonic Variations for this particular ensemble. In addition, both of the artists are former students of mine and as such well acquainted with my idiosyncrasies, having frequently performed in concert together with me in the past.” “Music means everything to me. It is part of me; It gives me joy and strength.” This is how Friederike Starkloff, born in 1990, describes the importance of music for her life. She first obtained violin instruction at the Pfluger Foundation in Freiburg with Professor Wolfgang Marschner and Ariane Mathaus. By 2004 she had won the duo and quartet formations. In 2015 she became first concertmaster at the NDR Radiophilharmonie in Hanover. Violinist Myvanwy Ella Penny has been firmly established in the world of classical music for some years as a brilliant and expressive violinist, inspiring audiences and young talent alike with her innate musicality/musicianship. Alongside the traditional concert violin repertory, Myvanwy is intensely passionate about reviving and performing lesser known works.
