Iasmim Bonfim de Carvalho
violin
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Alma maters: Escola Municipal de Música de São Paulo; FIAM-FAAM Centro Universitário, BME 2022; Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MM 2025
Photo credit
Awards/Competitions
2021 Mozarteum Cadenza, Brazil
Appearances
Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim, Brazil, 2021–22; Orquestra Jovem do Theatro São Pedro, Brazil, 2021–22; Orquestra Acadêmica Mozarteum Brasileiro, Brazil, 2022–23; Orquestra de Câmara da USP, Brazil, 2023; Orquestra Experimental de Repertório, Brazil, 2023; Southern Illinois String Orchestra, 2023–25; Paducah Symphony Orchestra, 2024; New England Philharmonic, 2025–26; Southern Illinois Festival, 2026
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
My earliest memories of classical music was watching concerts at the music project where I started my music studies.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
All the teachers I had were impactful. I learned a lot from them and am very grateful for all the things they taught me.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
Many musicians have inspired my decision to become a musician. Honestly, the more great musicians I meet, the more inspired I become to continue on this path.
However, I remember being particularly impacted when I watched Guido Sant’Anna perform in a masterclass at a music festival in 2014, along with other young students who were playing at a very high level. Seeing them play so well at such a young age was really impressive to me and made me realize how much was possible through music.
I also remember watching an old video of Sarah Chang performing Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy. Her playing made me fascinated by what a violin (and a violinist) can do.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I heard about TŌN on social media. What inspired me to apply was the intensity of the program, and how it prepares you for professional orchestras, besides all the incredible opportunities to perform and learn from great teachers.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I would like to see orchestra concerts being more accessible to the general public, not only in terms of money, but to actually be something that they can understand and enjoy.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
My first and last performances with Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim in Brazil are two of the performances I remember with the most love and affection.
For the first one, we played arrangements of some of Tom Jobim’s songs, and the whole experience felt very warm and special. For the last performance, we played some of the greatest rock hits, ending the concert with “We Are the Champions.” During the final song, the audience started taking out their phones and turning on their flashlights, creating the atmosphere of a rock concert. I was the concertmaster for that performance, so it was a challenging and exciting experience.
Both performances are very special to me because they represent two different moments with the orchestra, and I have wonderful memories of the people, the music, and the energy we shared.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
Coming to the U.S. to study music and be able to teach music.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
I can’t say I have a favorite non-classical musician or band, because I like to listen to many different styles and genres.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I would be teaching English in Brazil and/or be an elementary school teacher.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
I think the violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn and to master.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
I believe that the biggest challenge is to be able to listen to the other players, fit and blend with the group, while mastering your part and following the conductor. There is always a lot going on and we have to be aware of all these things at once the whole time.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Believe in yourself and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not capable of doing something you really want.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I knew how to manage my time better.