Esther Hopp

Esther Hopp is a Swiss violinist and Professor of Violin at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, where she leads the Violin Studies program in the Strings Department. She has held this position since 2013 and is also the Head of Violin Studies. Her career spans prestigious international performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue.

Education: Esther studied at the Basel Music Academy, Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia), Royal College of Music (London), and the Zurich University of the Arts. She won the 1st Prize at the International Mozart Violin Competition (2002) and the International ARD Music Competition (2007).

Research & Performance: Known for her interpretations of classical and baroque repertoire, she focuses on historical performance practices. She collaborates with renowned artists like Ronald Brautigam (fortepiano) and Christian Poltéra (cello), forming trios that emphasize period instruments. Her recordings include the complete Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Mozart/Stravinsky/Poulenc sonatas, and Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals.

Artistic Roles: She will become Artistic Director of the Camerata Zürich in 2025/26. Her performances highlight venues like the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall, and Salzburg's Mozarteum.

Awards: Recognized for her artistic achievements through major competitions and critical acclaim for her recordings, including a 2022 Bach release praised internationally.