Collection: NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE RECORDINGS
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg is an acclaimed Italian-American violinist renowned for her electrifying stage presence, passionate interpretations, and distinctive artistic voice. Born in Rome in 1961, she emigrated to the United States at age eight, studying first at The Curtis Institute of Music and later at The Juilliard School under legendary teachers like Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay.
Her international career took flight after winning the prestigious Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition in 1981. Salerno-Sonnenberg quickly became known for a performance style characterized by fiery emotional intensity, physical dynamism, and deeply personal, sometimes unconventional, interpretations that challenged traditional norms. This visceral approach, combined with her charismatic stage presence, captivated audiences globally, making her one of classical music's most recognizable and sometimes polarizing figures.
She has performed as a soloist with virtually every major orchestra worldwide and built an extensive and diverse discography on labels such as EMI/Angel and Nonesuch. Beyond the concert hall, she gained wider recognition through television appearances, including features on "60 Minutes" and multiple performances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
From 2008 to 2017, Salerno-Sonnenberg served as Music Director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra, leading the ensemble from the concertmaster chair and invigorating it with innovative programming and energetic leadership. She continues to perform and is deeply committed to education, currently serving as Resident Artist at Loyola University New Orleans' School of Music. Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg remains a significant and influential figure, celebrated for her unique artistry and lasting impact on the classical music world.
