Violinist Dmitry Smirnov is described as having an “exuberant artistic personality and wonderful sound, so flexible and sensitive”. Dmitry’s finesse and flexibility extends to a wide range of forms and genres, including solo, chamber, early, contemporary and everything in between. His early studies at the Rimsky-Korsakov Saint-Petersburg State Conservatory, Lausanne Institute of Advanced Musical Studies and Basel Music Academy, under mentors such as Elena Zaiceva, Pavel Vernikov and Rainer Schmidt, have led him to numerous successes in the industry.

Dmitry’s engagements in season 2023-24 include performances of Max Reger’s Symphonic Rhapsody with conductor Jakub Przybycien and The Lucerne Collective, Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto with Delyana Lazarova and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, and Tchaikovsky’s Concerto with Johannes Schlaefli and Collegium Musicum Basel. Dmitry is also a laureate of the Classeek Ambassador Programme this season, nominated by Sonia Simmenauer.

He has established himself as a soloist in performances with the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra Saint-Petersbourg, Moscow Philharmonic State and Chamber Orchestra of Moscow, Lucerne Festival Strings, Sinfonieorchester Basel, Argovia Philharmonic and more. His international accolades include 2nd prize at the 2021 ARD Musikwettbewerb competition, 3rd prize and best contemporary interpretation at the 2018 Concours international Long-Thibaud-Crespin, 1st prize and audience award at the 2015 Concours international de violon Tibor Varga, amongst others.

Pushing the boundaries of his artistry, Dmitry’s latest disc release, with conductor Heinz Holliger and Kammerorchester Basel on Prospero Classical, delves into French Romantic repertoire, showcasing his unique interpretations of works by Lalo, Saint-Saëns and more, played on gut strings. In addition, his own arrangements of folk music and Lied repertoire add a new dimension to this musical exploration.

In his debut solo album, Dmitry delves into the expressive colours of the violin and is praised for his ability “to dominate the extreme virtuosity of the writing with an astounding audacity and to captivate with the richness of a seemingly unlimited imagination” (Diapason, Avril 2021), offering a fresh perspective on works by Bach, Bartok, and Schneeberger.

Drawing from human and political contexts, Dmitry’s programming and projects are thoughtfully curated. His upcoming collaboration with FHR delves into solo violin works by Eugene Ysaÿe and sheds light on lesser-known composers of the 20th century, bringing their works into the spotlight. His work with esteemed groups such as Il Pomo D’oro and Il Giardino Armonico has inspired him to embark on innovative projects such as M.A.D, ‘Trio Infernale’, ‘Blattspiel Quartet’ and ‘Hypocantus’, showcasing his versatility and passion for exploration.

He is the winner of numerous scholarships and his work is supported by generous donors such as the Pierino Ambrosoli Foundation.