About
I am one of the very few remaining students of Jascha Heifetz, the undisputedly greatest violinist of all times with whom I had studied at USC nder full scholarship for 4 years. We had two classes a week and chamber music sessions with the the greatest violist William Primrose and cellist Gregor Piatigorski. Was one of the 6 students recorded on the legendary series of J.H. Master Classes at USC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyZL0cz0eiU
from my debut 3/21/1948
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYqJqfYfxm8
Won awards alive and Represented Poland, Israel and USA and won awards at several international competitions.
My first concertmaster position in the US was with the Metropolitan Opera TNational Touring Co, performing in 1966/67 in 75 cities. Followed as assistent cmr. in the Cleveland Orchestra under G. Szell, concertmaster in Syracuse, Minneasota Orchestra and concertmaster for 25 years in Austrian Radio @ TV Symphony Orchestra. In my 30 years in Vienna, I also served as a guest concertmaster with the International Orchestra of Italy, Orchstra Sta. Cecilia di Lucca, Vienna Chamber Opera (for 10 years pararell to Radio) and The Mexico City Philharmonic.
In 1991 I was awarded by the Austrian President Dr. Rudolf Kirchschlaeger the honorary title "Professor H.C." for my contribution to the Austrian Culture.
Appeared internationally as a soloist with orchestras (and also with his own orchestra) in Poland, USA, Canada, Israel, Spain, Austria, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Slavador etc. Recorded some of the most difficult repertoire with the Slovak Symphony, my concerts were twice acclaimed as best of the season. My debut took place 69 years ago on March 21 1948 in Poland, which was filmed and can be seen on U-Tube. Speek English, Polish, German, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian.
I am one of the last Holocaust survivors still alive and active.
Passing 70 years of international experience. I have been soncertmaster since 1966 till 2001, when I officially retired from the Austrian Radio Symphony Orchestra, where I started in 1976 afer leaving Minnesota. In 2004 I decided to come back here, though with US and EU passports, I could settle practically anywhere in the world w/o the slightest problem.
My hobbies include gardening, plants, photography and diverse sports to keep in shape I did a lot of sports like mountain biking, sailing, parasailing, water-skiing, snow-skiing, wind-surfing. Since the surgery on both eyes last year, I practice with a personal coach 3 x a week boxing, lifting and marcial arts. End of March I'll be 77.
My FB name is: Adam Leon Han-Gorski
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Evaluating his level of proficiency and concentrating on the most important issues . Each individual presents a unique combination of musicianship, physical aptitude, dexterity, ear sensitivity etc. thus the point of gravity of the curriculum will be different with every individual. That is one of the benefits of having private instructions and not being involved with a particular school program with rigidly set goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Studied with the greatest string players of the 20-th century; my musical heritage goes back to the friend of Johannes Brahms - Joachim (early 19 century) within only three generations of most famous international teachers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Depends on the lessons time, frequency and level of proficiency.
How did you get started teaching?
My first job was the Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Touring Co. followed by being assistant cmr. in the Cleveland Orchestra and concertmaster posts in 5 more in the US, Mexico, Italy and Vienna. Students came to me owing to my professional position.
What types of students have you worked with?
From beginners to concert artists.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Go to someone with the longest and most reputable background and experience.
The usual saying goes:
"I'll be a soloist!" And what if not? "I'll be concertmaster!". And if not? "I can play in an orchestra!" and so on until comes the last answer: "I can always teach". And thus most private teachers are the ones, who did not manage to perform or get into an orchestra paying full-time salary, do their MA or even Ph.D. in music and go on teaching what they never mastered themselves...
Look for a teacher, who has performed as a soloist and concertmaster of a major orchestra, it might cost a bit more if not the same and you will learn tenfold.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They ought to know what they strive for in wanting to learn to play the violin.