PACO People
Guest Artists
Joel Smirnonff, Guest Conductor
Violinist Joel Smirnoff has been a member of the Julliard String Quartet since 1986 and its 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. Second Prize-winner in the International American Music Competition in 1983, he made his New York recital debut in 1985 at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall. 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.