Meet Philip Vaiman | Violinist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Philip Vaiman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Philip, what makes you happy? Why?

Doing what I love, what I was trained to do, definitely makes me happy. As a professional violinist, the lines between personal and professional life become blurry. Rather than a profession or career, I think about it as a lifelong journey. The journey to strive for perfection, the journey to discover something new in the world of music and within myself. Working and collaborating with wonderful musicians makes this journey a blissful endeavor.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My main goal when performing is not to play faster or louder, not to showcase techniques or bravura, but to be able to say something with my music, to be able to tell a story. When I am capable of sharing my thoughts and emotions through my violin, it gives me the greatest satisfaction. For many professional musicians and artists, life consists of every day challenges and sacrifices. Knowing that your art IS your true core, makes it easy to make the same choice over and over again. For me, my relationship with the violin is a sacred bond. I’ve had periods in my life when I wasn’t able to play and perform, and those were the saddest and loneliest times. It made me appreciate every day that I spent with my instrument.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Living in Los Angeles, I believe that the best way to experience this city is by enjoying it’s magnificent nature. I would start with a trip to the beach. The ocean, with its majestic energy will make you forget about all your little problems and worries as it helps put everything into perspective.. A short car trip can take you to the mountains or the desert. The city itself can offer many interesting and unique attractions. Some of my favorite places are the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena and the Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

It’s so hard to mention everyone who contributed to my professional life and career. I will have to start with my mother, Natalia Vaiman. She was a professional violinist, my first teacher, and an endless source of kindness, wisdom, and support. Regardless of her passing 20 years ago, she lives through my music and my appreciation of life. My wonderful teachers, Natalia Fikhtengoltz, Zinaida Gilels, Alex Treger, Alice Schoenfeld and Abram Shtern also had a tremendous effect on me. I cherish every moment that we spent together. I find my inspiration in so many ways like in beautiful art, in magnificent nature, in a simple smile from a stranger. You just have to be open and willing to accept life’s gifts.

Website: www.philipvaiman.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/philipvaiman

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/philip-vaiman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/philip.vaiman

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/sofritti1

Image Credits
Javiera Estrada