The American Virtuosi
"The world knows them. The people embrace them. The Borowsky Family/American Virtuosi are more than universal. These five members carry in their blood an abundance of love for the arts and people. Their music unites hearts, opens doors, and makes the sun shine for everyone… I've seen them and still feel the rhythm and melody of their music. That's great music. That's the music of their souls which inspires, uplifts, and motivates for a happy and productive life." -The Cumanayagua Report (Cuba)

The Borowsky Family has been called "the von Trapp Family of Baltimore" and hailed as "American Virtuosi" by international press. The professional expertise of their musicianship has been acknowledged at the highest level: critically acclaimed performances at major venues and events, from multiple performances at Carnegie Hall to the Beijing Olympics. They have performed collectively and as soloists in over 80 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, wowing audiences from Paris to Hanoi, Rio de Janeiro to Jerusalem and New York to Tokyo. They have received awards and prizes for musicianship from major competitions, including the Tchaikovsky, Bach, and Chopin International Competitions. They have earned recognitions for service from social, government, and arts organizations, most notably the Paderewski Award for Distinguished Contributions to Society and Culture and the Jewish-Lithuanian Community Award. Their professional recordings on ICRecords, Muza, Melodya, and CRS have been enjoyed by listeners around the world and featured on radio and television broadcasts. They have frequently been featured as soloists with orchestras, performing major concerto repertoire as well as works written specifically for them by contemporary composers. The American Virtuosi have performed in the Middle East, China, Indonesia, Cuba, and Baltic States as American musical ambassadors, under the theme "Music: The Best Bridge for All People. People of all ages and from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide have delighted in the family’s sensitive and masterful interpretation of the works of legendary composers, as well as their original compositions that take listeners on an interactive, imaginative journey.
"It's hard to find a family more musically gifted than the Borowskys. They've been given a rock star reception in countless countries. International press has given them rave reviews. It takes a while to realize when reading the glowing testimonials, however, that they music they're playing isn't the next big thing. It's classical." -The Towerlight (USA) |
"The Borowsky family made us aware of the value of music in society. We applaud their extraordinary artistry. They are an exemplary role model for families everywhere." -Tianjin Times (China) "Like a Baltimore Version of the Family Von Trapp, the Borowsky Family entertains audiences around the world with their classical music performances." -Lisa Simeone (NPR) |
Awards and Honors
Both Cecylia and Charles have received the Paderewski Award for Outstanding Contributions to Society and Culture. Frances, Emmanuel and Elizabeth were awarded the Erick Friedman Prize for Outstanding Young Musicians, which led to their debut at New York City’s famous Carnegie Hall in October 2004. Individually, family members have received honors in a variety of esteemed competitions: the W.C. Byrd Young Artists Competition; Danczowski Cello Competition; Tchaikovsky Competition; Pablo Casals Cello Competition; Aldo Parisot International Cello Competition; J.S. Bach International Competition; Cassado International Cello Competition (Florence); (Michigan); Chopin Foundation of the United States Scholarship; Mary Graham Lasley Concerto Competition; Levine Chamber Music Competition and the Peggy Friedman – Yale Gordon Competition, among others. Emmanuel was featured on NPR's nationally syndicated radio show, "From the Top."
Discography
The Borowsky discography features recordings standard literature, music by contemporary composers and their own original compositions.
Academic Degrees Earned
Collectively, the family holds degrees from prestigious institutions including Yale University, Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, University of Maryland, Towson University, Moscow Conservatory of Music (Russia), Trinity College of Music (London), Icelandic Academy of the Arts (Iceland), Chopin Academy of Music (Warsaw), Catholic University of Lublin (Poland) and Folkwang University of the Arts (Germany).
In addition, they have received honorary degrees from universities in Europe and Asia.
Paying it Forward
Each July, the Borowskys spend two weeks as artists in residence at The International Music Institute and Festival USA, a program they founded in 2003. This program brings outstanding young musicians from around the U.S. and the world to Maryland where they participate in two weeks of learning and performing under the guidance of Borowsky family members and renowned teacher-performers.
career highlights
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