Following our first open application for the final place on our 2022-23 Ambassador Programme, we were impressed by the number of astounding young artists who applied. It made our decision very difficult, but makes us more determined as an arts organisation, to support and provide a platform for as many artists as we can.

In particular, one of the application finalists who caught our attention, was Iranian-American violist, Muriel Razavi. A multi-faceted artist, Muriel is in demand as a soloist and chamber player, as well as holding the position of assistant principal violist of the MDR Symphony Orchestra Leipzig. She continues to further her education, studying a doctorate at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre under the artistic supervision of Daniel Barenboim, where she is conducting research on Re-Orientalism in Music.  Most recently she was also announced as a teaching professor at the University Mozarteum in Salzburg.

"As an artist and composer, you have to look for and find your own way anyway, and this is always the case, regardless of place, origin or culture. Only in this way can a work of art become a work of art." - Interview with Muriel Razavi in VAN magazine

Muriel's impact within the arts world is incremental, dedicating herself to creating innovative concert formats, promoting contemporary music by female Iranian composers. She recently debuted Golfam Khayam's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra 'her path through clay and silk' and a solo performance project, 'ancient eve is once again offering apples'.

'ancient eve is once again offering apples' is a solo performance presenting music by Iranian composers Aida Shirazi, Bahar Royaee, Niloufar Nourbakhsh and Farzia Fallah. The performance tells of the life of a woman who opposes political and social restrictions, her suffering and her ways to cope, is depicted. Told in five scenes, her suffering, but also her way of dealing with it, is depicted. She goes through a development in front of the eyes of the audience and gives hope and courage to other women through her newly gained freedom. The inspiration for the project being the hope of a better world for all girls and women.

In April 2023, Muriel will perform the 'ancient eve is once again offering apples' at the  Heidelberger Frühling Festival.