Jef ten Kortenaar

First Violin

Jef began his musical journey in grade three when he became a student and chorister at St Michael's Choir School in Toronto. By grade five he was already earning money singing weddings and funerals throughout the GTA as a reliable alto in small ensembles. While weddings paid twice as much, funerals had the advantage of getting off school on a weekday. It was also in grade five that he started taking violin lessons at the school with Elizabeth Tomosvary, a Hungarian refugee and student of Jeno Hubay at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. After starting his professional career as a violinist he formed the Emperor Quartet, an ensemble that has gone on to play for Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers and others that could be held accountable for the state of the world that we find ourselves in.

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
To escape the rigorous regimen of piano practice that my mother, an avid amateur pianist, imposed on me in my youth.

Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
Hearing Joe Venuti perform at a jazz club in Toronto that I went to on Queen Street with my best friend when we were fourteen is still a vivid memory for me. Thankfully, we were tall for our age and got in without trouble.

What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
I love art history and enjoy lining up art historical developments with music history.