Meet OSC: Concertmaster Dmitri Pogorelov
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“His musical accomplishment is only one dimension of what Dmitri brings to the Oistrakh Symphony”
Violinist and Concertmaster Dmitri Pogorelov brings a wide world of experience to all of his performances, the result of a journey as broad geographically as it has been musically. His journey to becoming the Concertmaster of the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago began in his native Russia, where at an early age he won a number of prestigious solo and chamber music competitions. He has performed extensively with orchestras in the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, and Russia, and in chamber music concerts with many of the finest musicians in the world.
His musical accomplishment is only one dimension of what Dmitri brings to the Oistrakh Symphony; just as striking is the enthusiasm and eloquence with which he expresses his appreciation for the world of classical music. We spoke to Dmitri recently about the role of the Concertmaster in a symphony orchestra, and in an upcoming INSIDE OSC article, we'll be sharing his very informative insights about that.But first, as we look forward to Giving Tuesday, we wanted to ask some of the members of the Oistrakh Symphony community to tell us about what they feel that music has given to them. What Dmitri had to say was not only insightful, but quite inspiring as well.
“There’s great music out there for every time of day, every age, every season, every mood, every occasion. ”
INSIDE OSC: You're experience in performing and sharing music has been so extensive that you've certainly seen many different ways that music enriches the people who enjoy it. Can you tell us what you feel that music has given to you?
Dmitri Pogolerov: Music, specifically classical music, has given me so many incredible opportunities and experiences!
The pleasure of listening to music is so wonderfully satisfying. There's great music out there for every time of day, every age, every season, every mood, every occasion. As a listener, I'm so thankful for these countless moments of comfort and enjoyment.
INSIDE OSC: Does your professional involvement in music add other dimensions to this? What are some of the experiences that you've found most rewarding in your career in music?
“For me as a professional musician, playing the violin is a wonderful way to make a difference in my community. So often I feel really fulfilled doing what I do, helping others in some small way.”
Dmitri Pogolerov: For me as a professional musician, playing the violin is a wonderful way to make a difference in my community. So often I feel really fulfilled doing what I do, helping others in some small way. I've had the privilege of performing for people of all kinds: little children, retirees, hospice patients, happy newlyweds, homeless folks, veterans, college students... For some, my music brought an extra dimension to a religious experience, for others - gave a little comfort while saying goodbye to a recently deceased family member. Smiles, tears, pain, happiness - I've been honored to amplify or diminish these feelings countless times through the miracle of music.
Music gave me the opportunity to travel the world, work with wonderful colleagues, and make countless friends on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. I have close friends that hail from every corner of the world - amazing people that I would not have had a chance to meet otherwise. I'm just so very grateful for all the hearts that were opened to me thanks to classical music.
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For more information about Dmitri Pogolerov, you can visit his site DmitriPogorelov.com. There you can learn even more about this gifted and giving musician, hear some audio excerpts of his recordings, and find links to some of the projects and organizations that he has been a part of. This autumn, you can also hear Dmitri in performance with the Phoenix Symphony.