Joas Erasmus

violin

Hometown: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Alma maters: Interlochen Arts Academy, 2021; Bard College and Conservatory, 2026, Violin Performance and Political Studies

Photo credit

Appearances

Interlochen Summer Camp, 2019; Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, South Africa, 2016–18

What is your earliest memory of classical music?

I remember being around six years old listening to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on repeat on my dads MP3 player walking around the house.

What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?

I have had a very similar feeling over the years at different stages, always in an orchestra playing with other people and taking in the music. I had this feeling in a chamber music festival around 2016 and again in 2019 at Interlochen Arts Academy. Seeing so many young people so engaged with something bigger than ourselves while doing what we love made me realize I can’t go without music.

What is the most memorable performance you ever had?

Playing Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 at Interlochen Summer Camp. It was maybe the largest group of musicians that I have worked with on stage at once, an incredibly successful concert with a very large audience and an incredible piece of music. I remember sitting not very far from the percussion as we were a bit cramped on stage, having to shield my ears in the loud sections, but it was a glorious experience, one I wish I could relive.

What is your proudest achievement as a musician?

For me, getting the scholarship that would ultimately result in me being able to study in the U.S., something I had been dreaming about for a long time in my youth. I remember being at Burger King with my friend Chris and my dad calling me with the news.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?

Practice every day, don’t skip a day. You don’t have to do four hours a day, but never skip a day.