Gareth Johnson
Violin


Junior Division Winner of the 5th Annual Junior Division Sphinx Organization Competition 2002 presented by Chase, Violinist Gareth Johnson performs with the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra as part of the Sphinx Professional Development Program.

Gareth Johnson, 22, is the First Place Junior Division Laureate of the 2002 national Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. Despite his young age, Mr. Johnson enjoys a remarkably successful performing career. He has appeared as a soloist with the Detroit, Atlanta, Seattle, St. Louis, Cincinnati, New World and Baltimore Symphonies, and the Boston Pops, among many others. In December 2004, he gave his solo debut at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, to rave reviews in the New York Times. He has also performed recitals in numerous communities nationwide, including Detroit and Ann Arbor, MI; New York, NY; St. Louis, MO; Palm Beach and Naples (FL), Cincinnati, OH, appearing at such venues as Ruth Seaton James Hall in Bermuda and Kravis Center in Florida.

Mr. Johnson has received high praise from critics across the country. Jim Oestreich of The New York Times suggested that Mr. Johnson “possesses prodigious musical gifts—like Joshua Bell or Maxim Vengerov…he dominates the stage…Classical music could use a Tiger Woods and, no question, Mr. Johnson may well fit the bill.” Gareth Johnson has had amazing and exciting opportunities as a violinist! Audiences love him! Having heard the famed Itzhak Perlman, Johnson at the age of ten declared, "I can play that instrument!” His passion and persistence to master the violin has allowed him to become one of the most talented African American violinists of his time. When Palm Beach Daily News arts critics were asked to pick their favorite and most memorable events from the past season (2005-2006), Ken Keaton exclaimed that his choice was Gareth Johnson. "...there have been so many fine concerts this year; it would be hard to find just one. ...Beethoven's Emperor Concerto...but that was from seasoned pros, renowned artist from whom one can expect such excellence. When one finds a young artist with a unique and compelling voice, that is an occasion to celebrate. Such an artist is Gareth Johnson, a violinist barely into his 20s who combined a honeyed tone, mature interpretive intelligence and blazing virtuosity. ...Johnson’s Rinker Playhouse recital resonates in my memory."

Mr. Johnson is presently furthering his studies Lynn Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton Florida and studies with concert violinist Elmar Oliveiera. In addition to his studies, his talents have taken him throughout the United States, not only rendering recitals and being presented as soloist with major orchestras, but capturing attention and admiration from celebrities such as Itzhak Perlman, Branford Marsalis, and, his most favorite of all, Oprah Winfrey.

Dedicated to introducing classical music to new and young audiences, Mr. Johnson is also an articulate, enthusiastic, and creative communicator. He has performed community engagement activities in schools and community centers across the country and internationally. In addition to his primary focus on his solo career, Mr. Johnson is also an arranger and composer of music blending Hip-Hop and New Age genres.

He was featured as a guest soloist at the 9th annual Sphinx Finals Concert, at the Max. M. Fisher Center in Detroit, MI. In the Fall of 2006 he was a soloist at the Sphinx Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall, in New York City, NY. Mr. Johnson continues to instill within his audiences the need for the perpetuation of classical music as an integral component to the wholesome existence of all people throughout the world.

Mr. Johnson is playing on an 1840 J.B. Vuillaume violin and is presently seeking donors/and or sponsors for this instrument.