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Violinist Joel Smirnoff, a native of New York City, has been a member of the Juilliard String Quartet since 1986 and the ensemble's leader since 1997. Formerly the group's second violinist, Mr. Smirnoff attended the University of Chicago and The Juilliard School and was a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for six years. In 1983, as second-prize winner of the International American Music Competition for Violin, he was awarded debuts at Carnegie Hall on its Emerging Artists series and at Town Hall on its Midtown Masters series. Mr. Smirnoff has participated in the world premiere of numerous contemporary works, many of which were composed for him. He is chair of the Violin Department at The Juilliard School and pursues an active career as a conductor, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Encouraged by Seiji Ozawa to "take up the baton," eminent violinist Joel Smirnoff has developed into a highly acclaimed conductor with an impressive and wide-ranging repertoire. In the summer of 2000, Mr. Smirnoff made his official American conducting debut with the San Francisco Symphony, conducting an all-Tchaikovsky program. He is also a frequent guest with the New World Symphony and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. Engagements during the 2002-03 season included a semi-staged revival at Tanglewood of the mini-opera Socrate by Erik Satie, the Juilliard Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall, and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra in an all 20th century program. In May 2004, he received rave reviews for his debut with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, replacing Peter Oundjian who had fallen ill. In Europe, Mr. Smirnoff has conducted the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and a European tour with the Basel Sinfonietta and Charles Rosen as soloist in the Elliott Carter Piano Concerto.
Mr. Smirnoff also plays jazz, performing frequently as improvising soloist with Tony Bennett. His solos were featured on the Grammy award-winning CD Tony Bennett Sings Ellington Hot and Cool. He has also been guest soloist with Gunther Schuller and the American Jazz Orchestra, and the Billy Taylor Trio.
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