Manuela Topalbegovic

Manuela Topalbegovic serves as a Lecturer of Applied Music (Violin & Viola) in the Department of Music at Washington University in St. Louis. She is an accomplished violinist and violist actively performing with major ensembles including the Perseid String Quartet (as second violinist), Union Avenue Opera, Bach Society of St. Louis, and Winter Opera across the Saint Louis region.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Music from Webster University, where she received the Buder scholarship for gifted students under Yuly Iliashov
• Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a graduate string quartet assistantship under Benny Kim and Gregory Sandomirsky

Specializing in string performance, her artistic focus spans solo recitals, chamber collaborations, and orchestral repertoire. Her pedagogical approach integrates technical mastery with expressive interpretation through teaching positions at the Community Music School of Webster University and Webster Groves Elementary Schools Strings Program.

As an educator, she mentors students across private studios and institutional programs while maintaining an active performance career with regional orchestras including Kingsbury Ensemble, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, and Paducah Symphony. Her collaborative work extends to frequent recitals with pianist Diana Umali and engagements with Salem Chamber Orchestra and Rosewood Ensemble.