Local artist profile: Jeanette Stoll

THIS week we chatted with local classical violinist Jeanette Stoll, who said she’s found over the years that it’s those who she’s worked with closely in the community that continue to give her inspiration.

What initially motivated you to take up the violin?

I’ve always loved the violin.

My family billeted a violinist from a visiting orchestra when I was about 7 years old.

I remember asking if I could try playing her violin.

I was so excited and told her I was going to play the violin one day!

So, when an opportunity came up in primary school for me to learn, I was in!

How would you describe your playing style and how did you develop it?

I’m a classical violinist. I started learning Violin in grade 5 and continued my tuition throughout secondary and tertiary education.

Throughout these years, I had opportunities to develop my skills further through orchestral playing at my secondary school and also attending music camps.

Once I moved to tertiary education, my opportunities broadened and I was able to expand my skills further and participate in chamber music, orchestral music, musical theatre and choral works.

Which other violinists inspire you?

Violinists that inspired me over the years are Anne-Sophie Mutter, Nigel Kennedy, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.

It’s easy to choose well known names, but I’ve found over the years that it’s those who I’ve worked with closely in the community that continue to give me inspiration.

What are some highlights or special moments you can remember from your time as a violinist?

I’ve met and worked with amazing musicians throughout my many and varied experiences as a violinist.

It’s a combination of the people and the music which has created the most memorable moments for me.

One of the most recent highlights was playing the Mahler Resurrection Symphony No. 2 with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in December 2024.

You also have a local business – Vibrational Balance – which offers sound healing. How does your experience as a musician play into that?

I love working with sound as medicine.

My experience as a musician influences how I construct my sound healing sessions, but it doesn’t define me as a sound practitioner.

The combination of sounds that are created depends greatly on many differing layers on the day, the people and the requirements.

It really is very much creating an individual experience which lingers. It lasts longer than the moment it occurred.

How can people check out your music or performances online?

Social Media is generally where I post what’s going on.

Do you have any performances coming up?

The next concert series I’m involved in, Lacrymosa is a group of stunning sacred music works.

I’m working with fabulous musicians and vocalists and very much looking forward to it.

The dates are 10 August (Toorak), 17 August (Castlemaine) and 24 August (North Balwyn).

The next concert with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra is on 30 August at Ulumburra Theatre.

Sound Healing sessions are held on the Full Moon and New Moon each month and there are often preparations bubbling along in the background for a range of different private functions.

What would you say to young regional aspiring violinists who are thinking of making a go of the musical life?

Be dedicated to your instrument, work hard, find mentors to guide and support you and make sure you have fun.

Keep the joy alive in what you do and surround yourself with people that inspire you and make you laugh!