Mark Messenger

Anglo-Armenian violinist, Mark Messenger, has had a broad and varied career resulting in a global reputation as soloist, chamber musician, conductor, teacher, jury member, speaker and consultant.

His love of music and the human connection it offers has meant he has shared the concert platform with many remarkable musicians. For over four decades he performed on the most prestigious concert platforms in the world as a string quartet and chamber musician, recitalist, concerto soloist, orchestral leader and conductor.

As a quartet player, for many decades Mark Messenger toured and performed with the Bochmann String Quartet, unlocking the secrets of truly intuitive and spontaneous chamber music performance. Mark has appeared internationally as a soloist, and as a duo recitalist with his long-time musical and life partner, pianist Maria Tarasewicz.

He has led symphony and chamber orchestras, opera and ballet companies including the Bolshoi Ballet and the European Camber Opera. Other performing highlights have been as a studio musician and conductor, including recording soundtracks for Hollywood Films and rock and pop albums and conducting two of the iconic Ayoub Sisters albums.

He has appeared as a jury member for many international competitions in Europe, Southeast Asia, America and the UK. As well as giving invaluable guidance and mentorship in the preparation of students for international competitions, he is also much in demand as a speaker, mentor and consultant for educational projects.

However, it is teaching that is Mark Messenger’s main passion. His ability to build both technical assurance and artistic integrity has contributed to his students’ many and varied successful international careers as chamber musicians, soloists, principal players in major orchestras and innovators within the music industry. His unique and insightful guidance, and the demands he places on his students to continue searching and examining the repertoire have proved to be transformative.

For over two decades he taught violin and chamber music at the Royal College of Music in London where he was also the head of department. His educational philosophy underpins the ethos and impact of The Thinking Musician music programme of which he is a Co-founder and Artistic Director.

As long as his exploration of life and music continues to provide such human experiences, he will continue the journey with travelling companions from any walk of life and in any nation of the world.