Violinist Holly Bhattacharya brings her talent to three local music programs
Holly Bhattacharya is a U.K.-born violinist whose career spans orchestral, chamber, theatre and commercial music, with performances alongside the London Philharmonic and in London West End's Phantom of the Opera, and with artists including Kylie Minogue, Gorillaz and Florence and the Machine.
Now based in Canada, Holly is bringing her talents to not one, but three music programs in Lethbridge.
Holly is working with the Music Department in the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts, the ULethbridge Music Conservatory and the Lethbridge Symphony Association in teaching and performance roles.
The unique collaboration between the three groups is the result of a combined contract offering, designed to attract musicians from across Canada and the United States, to build upon the close connections that exist between the Faculty, the Conservatory and the Symphony.
"The Music Conservatory is incredibly fortunate to work closely with many arts organizations in Lethbridge. In this case, we came together with the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Symphony to strategically develop a job posting that included all three organizations," says Breeanne Fuller (BMus '05, MEd '15), Music Conservatory Director.
"This posting had musician-applicants from all over Canada. I think it was an attractive offer for a professional musician to have substantial work in our community."
Since making Canada her home, Holly is now a member of the Jessica McMann Trio, whose 2023 album Prairie Dusk won a YYC Music Award and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Since finishing her tour with the group, Holly has her sights set on mentoring the next generation.
"I'm passionate about education and making music accessible to everyone. I am really looking forward to joining the vibrant music scene in Lethbridge," she says.
Holly will teach students of all ages in violin instruction and hosting recitals and masterclasses through the Music Conservatory. In the Department of Music, Holly lends her talents as a studio teacher for university students. Lastly, through her work with the Lethbridge Symphony Association, Holly will shine onstage as an assistant concertmaster in regular performances with the orchestra.
"I love performing and I'm looking forward to more concerts and collaborations with various artists in the future," Holly adds.
Breeanne notes that Holly's presence in three key music organizations strengthens the impact of music performance and education in Lethbridge and southern Alberta.
"We are so excited to have hired Holly and have her work for all three organizations starting this fall. This collaboration will benefit and invest in our music community for years to come," adds Breeanne.
Interested in studying with Holly? Sign up for lessons through the Music Conservatory below.