Concertmaster of Mexico's Xalapa Symphony Orchestra Retires

Ukrainian Violinist Mikhail Medvid is the orchestra's longest-serving concertmaster, having held the title for 35 years

The Ukrainian violinist Mikhail Medvid will retire from his position as concertmaster of the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra (OSX), one of the leading ensembles in Mexico. He is the longest-serving concertmaster in the 95-year history of the OSX, having been in the role from 1989 to 2024.

A native of Ukraine, Medvid went to Moscow to study with David Oistrakh and Valery Klimov. Upon graduating he won First Prize at the Herbert von Karajan International Competition, held in West Berlin in 1972. In 1984 Medvid received the title of Honored Artist of the Republic of Ukraine.

Alongside his service to the OSX, Medvid is also a highly influential pedagogue, both in Mexico and abroad. Some of his pupils have joined the ranks of the OSX, while others continued their studies overseas and landed jobs in major orchestras. Medvid taught at the University of Veracruz, as well as at similar institutions in Mexico.

"Mr. Medvid’s last concert with OSX was held on January 26th at Tlaqná Concert Hall in Xalapa, where he was acknowledged by the orchestra, led by French maestro Martin Lebel, for his long and successful career," said OSX second violinist David de Jesús Torres.

"When Mr. Medvid came on stage to tune the orchestra at the beginning the concert, what is normally meant to be discreet applause rapidly turned into a huge standing ovation from the audience. This was undoubtedly one of the most touching moments of the night."