Because of his enviable and inimitable virtuosity, Mario Hosen is often compared to Paganini throughout the musical world. He lives and teaches in both Austria and Bulgaria, so like his genius predecessor, whose music he performs and interprets to perfection, he travels constantly to wring endless rapture from the hearts of audiences and to pass on his talent to young violinists. It has been a long time since Ruse has heard the enchanting voice of his violin and now he is coming from Austria especially for his participation in the Ruse Opera programme. Mario Hossen plays on a 1749 G.B. Guadagnini violin loaned to him by the Austrian National Bank.
Maestro Hosen, the audience in Rousse is already looking forward to you, and what mood are you in for your concert in Rousse?
Ruse holds a special place in my heart. I made my debut here with the Ruse Philharmonic Orchestra back in 1992, performing Paganini's First Concerto under the baton of Maestro Borislav Ivanov. Returning to this city always feels like connecting with an important stage of my artistic career. I arrive with deep excitement, a sense of nostalgia and great anticipation to experience my music with the audience. The energy of the city and its rich cultural history inspire me to share a part of myself on stage.
And why did you choose to perform these two violin concertos here?
Every program I choose has a deep artistic and historical concept. These violin concertos are not only masterpieces of the repertoire, but also deeply connected to my passion for historically informed performance. My research into the original sources, especially those of Paganini, has given me a unique perspective on how these works were conceived. I believe these works offer a deeply emotional and virtuosic journey for both performer and audience, and I am delighted to share their splendor in this concert.
You divide your life between Austria and Bulgaria. How does that make you feel?
Bulgaria is my homeland - the place where I first discovered music and received my early artistic education. Austria, in turn, has been the centre of my professional and academic pursuits, having a profound influence on my performance and research activities. The relationship between these two countries is deeply rooted in the history of classical music. My work allows me to build a bridge between these rich traditions, combining Austrian tradition and historical analysis with the passion and soulfulness of the Bulgarian school of music. Ruse historically also occupies a special place in this cultural dialogue - the city has a strong cultural connection with the capital of the Danube, Vienna.
Yes, that's right, it's no coincidence that our Ruse is known as Little Vienna.
You have already worked with maestra Viliana Valcheva. What inspires you in your work together?
Viliana Valcheva is an outstanding professional, conductor and a wonderful colleague. It was an honour and a pleasure to invite her to the opening of the International Festival "Sofia Music Weeks" in 2023, where she is leading the joint project of the Chamber Orchestra NBU and the Sofia Philharmonic. The concert deservedly received a nomination for the Crystal Lyre Award. I admire her dedication, musical vision and her ability to inspire both the orchestra and the audience.
Interview by Diana Dimitrova
State Opera-Ruse presents SYMPHONY CONCERT WITH MARIO HOSEN on 07.03. at 19:00h. in "FILCHARMONY" hall.
Tickets at the Opera box office and HERE.
