Violinist

Few musicians have achieved the balance and breadth in their careers that French violinist Gilles Apap has. He is a world-renowned and sought-after classical soloist, an innovative crossover artist and group leader, and a long-time musical hero in Santa Barbara, where he settled in 1986 at just 22 years of age, soon serving as the concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony for over a decade. He is known internationally for his ongoing musical journey, marked by collaborations with musicians and orchestras from around the world, delivering distinctive performances that combine classical repertoire with his love of traditional music—from Europe to India to America—such as Romani, Irish, swing, or bluegrass. The result is a unique merging of the borderlines between musical styles and the skill to bring joy to every concert hall. CAM

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Gilles Apap, violin

Lobero Theatre

Few musicians have achieved the balance and breadth in their careers that French violinist Gilles Apap has. He is a world-renowned and sought-after classical soloist, an innovative crossover artist and group leader, and a long-time musical hero in Santa Barbara, where he settled in 1986 at just 22 years of age, soon serving as the concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony for over a decade. He is known internationally for his ongoing musical journey, marked by collaborations with musicians and orchestras from around the world, delivering distinctive performances that combine classical repertoire with his love of traditional music—from Europe to India to America—such as Romani, Irish, swing, or bluegrass. The result is a unique merging of the borderlines between musical styles and the skill to bring joy to every concert hall. CAMA looks forward to Gilles’ homecoming to Santa Barbara and to the beloved Lobero “…for old times’ sake.

Gilles Apap

Described by Yehudi Menuhin as ’’A true violinist of the 21st century’’, Gilles Apap is known for his virtuosity, unique approach to music and the skill to bring joy to every concert hall. He delivers distinctive performances of the standard classical repertoire combined with genres such as jazz and folk from around the world and the result is unique programming merging the borderlines between musical styles.

Gilles Apap and friends (feat. Eric Zivian)

Noe Valley Ministry

Closing out the 23/24 Masterworks Season WCO welcomes French virtuoso violinist, Gilles Apap, to Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Described by Yehudi Menuhin as ’’A true violinist of the 21st century’’, Gilles is known for his virtuosity and unique approach. At just over 100 years old and inspired by a poem, The Lark Ascending was described by Vaughan Williams as a “pastoral romance for orchestra.” Opening the concert is Sinfonietta by E.J. Moeran, an English contemporary of Elgar and Vaughan Williams, whose music is charged with tremendous rhythmic energy.

Masterworks V - Virtuoso Violin

Overture Center for the Arts

Closing out the 23/24 Masterworks Season we welcome French virtuoso violinist, Gilles Apap, to Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Described by Yehudi Menuhin as ’’A true violinist of the 21st century’’, Gilles is known for his virtuosity and unique approach. At just over 100 years old and inspired by a poem, The Lark Ascending was described by Vaughan Williams as a “pastoral romance for orchestra.” Opening the concert is Sinfonietta by E.J. Moeran, an English contemporary of Elgar and Vaughan Williams, whose music is charged with tremendous rhythmic energy.

Virtuoso Violin

This program features the return of violin virtuoso and Arroyo Grande resident, Gilles Apap, to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and Bartok’s Violin Rhapsody No.1. His performance of Tchaikovsky in 2022, was sensational. The Hungarian spirit continues with Leo Weiner’s Hungarian Folk Dance Suite – a symphony in four movements based on Hungarian folk melodies and in a late romantic style.

Classics IV Bartok and Beethoven

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

French virtuoso violinist Gilles Apap (Arroyo Grande) joins SLO Symphony under the baton of Maestro Andrew Sewell, for a remarkable program of classical favorites, including Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 in D, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Gilles is known for his unique approach to music, delivering distinctive performances of the standard classical repertoire combined with genres such as jazz and folk from around the world, merging the borderlines between musical styles. This concert is sponsored by Peggy Lance Little, Thomas Miller and Pam Dassenko, and Len Jarrott. Programs are subject to change.

TCHAIKOVSKY & MOZART

Prepare to be mesmerized as two extraordinary violin masters, Gilles Apap and Eric Silberger, return to the stage for Dueling Violins—not as rivals, but as creative counterparts. Highlighting their individual artistry through solo works like Sinding’s Suite in A Minor for Violin and Orchestra, Barber’s deeply expressive Violin Concerto, Op. 14, and Sarasate’s fiery Zigeunerweisen, the two will also join forces for Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor. Anchoring the program is Haydn’s Symphony No. 47 in G Major, a luminous work that brings balance and depth to an unforgettable evening.

Violinist

Gilles Apap

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 27, 2026

Dueling Violins · Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Past events

Mar 8, 2025

Gilles Apap, violin · Lobero Theatre

Mar 8, 2025

Gilles Apap · CAMA

About

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