Though cellist Sharon Robinson and violinist Jaime Laredo have never performed at Oberlin College before, their connections to the institution run deep.
Robinson shares, “I feel a real connection to Oberlin—I truly do. I’ve known numerous individuals who have taught or studied there.” This network includes friends, former students, and notably, their eldest granddaughter, a recent graduate of Oberlin College.
This spring, Robinson and Laredo will finally bring their artistry to Oberlin’s campus. They are slated to be Distinguished Artists in Residence from April 2 to April 9, during which they will provide masterclasses, private lessons, and coaching sessions focusing on chamber music and their instruments. Their residency will commence with a recital on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Warner Concert Hall, featuring collaborations with Oberlin Conservatory faculty members.
William Quillen, Dean of Oberlin Conservatory, expresses enthusiasm about their arrival: “I am delighted to welcome Sharon Robinson and Jaime Laredo this spring. They are among the most significant chamber musicians of our era, and our students stand to gain immensely from learning from their extensive experience as acclaimed performers and dedicated educators.”
Chamber music has long been central to both artists’ careers. Together with pianist Joseph Kalichstein, they formed the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, touring globally for decades to critical acclaim. Individually, they have garnered multiple GRAMMY nominations, with Laredo earning a win. Robinson has performed as a solo cellist alongside top American and European orchestras, while Laredo is recognized as a prominent violinist and conductor across both continents. Currently, they tour with the piano quartet ESPRESSIVO!, alongside pianist Anna Polonsky and violist Milena Pájaro-van de Stadt.
As educators, Robinson and Laredo emphasize mentorship and connection with emerging musicians. Laredo comments, “The best part about engaging with young talent is that they keep us young,” a sentiment Robinson echoes.
“Teaching is reciprocal,” Robinson notes. “I’ve received many insightful ideas from my students over the years, and it’s always rewarding to experience fresh perspectives.”
Residing in Cleveland, the duo is well-acquainted with the area, having taught for 12 years at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). Robinson reflects on that chapter: “One aspect I will miss is the long-term relationships formed with students. Still, I’m thrilled to remain active in the lives of young musicians and look forward to building meaningful connections at Oberlin.”
They are also eager to reunite with Oberlin piano faculty HyunSoo Kim, whom they have known since his CIM student days. “I have a deep fondness for him,” Laredo shares. Kim will join the April 2 recital alongside fellow faculty members violinist Sibbi Bernhardsson, violists Kirsten Docter and Abigail Rojansky, and cellist Dmitry Kouzov.
The pair emphasize that chamber music thrives on trust and mutual respect. Robinson states, “It’s vital for everyone to respect one another and treasure the time spent collaborating. Musicians must be open to give and receive constructive criticism thoughtfully, welcoming new ideas while offering their own with respect.”
Laredo cautions that younger students can feel vulnerable in this process, saying, “Teachers must carefully choose their words. The last thing we want is for a student to feel diminished.”
The commitment to fostering connection among musicians is something Robinson and Laredo take very seriously. “Chamber music and collaboration represent the highest form of artistry in our view,” Robinson affirms. “If we can help open pathways for musicians, that would be truly wonderful.”
Details about all events during the Robinson-Laredo Residency are available on the Oberlin Conservatory calendar, including public engagements.
Stephanie Manning ’23 completed a bassoon performance degree while cultivating a career in classical music journalism. She recently returned to Cleveland after earning a graduate diploma in journalism from Concordia University in Montreal. Her work has been published in The Montreal Gazette, Early Music America, and ClevelandClassical.com.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
