Maya Kilburn will perform with her father, pianist Ray Kilburn, in Yeager Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. Their recital opens the weekend piano competition for high school musicians, which is sponsored by the Department of Music.
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One of classical music’s rising stars, who also happens to have a major social media following, will open the Department of Music’s first Joseph Bologne International Piano Competition this Friday night in Yeager Recital Hall.
Violinist Maya Kilburn and her father, pianist Ray Kilburn, headline the gala opening recital for the piano competition. The Friday performance and Saturday competition are a celebration of the overlooked 18th century composer Joseph Bologne’s contributions to the artform and an opportunity for classical’s future rising stars to show their skills.
“We are excited for a weekend of stellar musicianship on Elon’s campus. Our community will not only get to witness the skill Maya and Ray Kilburn bring to their performances, but hear from the next generation of top-notch pianists, all while raising the profile of an overlooked composer finally getting his due,” said Associate Professor of Piano Douglas Jurs, coordinator of the competition. “Bologne was a fascinating figure in 18th century Paris, and above all was among the most famous violinists in Europe, so I knew I wanted to showcase a rising-star violinist to kick off our competition weekend.”
Maya Kilburn is a recipient of the Juilliard School’s prestigious Kovner Fellowship. In addition to standout solo performances and recitals at some of the world’s most famous venues, she has nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok and 110,000 followers on Instagram. Ray Kilburn, is an associate professor of music at Ball State University’s School of Music with critical acclaim for his musicianship.
In advance of the recital — which will include pieces by Bologne, Beethoven and other composers — Maya Kilburn sat down with Today at Elon to discuss her career, her influencer status, and the very special violin she performs with.
Q: What is it that you love about playing violin and being a musician?
There is so much to love about this instrument. I think its similarity to the sound of the human voice drew me in at a young age. Being a performing artist is rewarding in so many ways: collaborating with others, sharing music with audiences around the world and connecting communities, and pouring energy into something that can be an outlet for my emotions. Remembering why I love what I do keeps me grounded when times are tough.
Q: You play a 1710 Alessandro Mezzadri violin made in Ferrara, Italy, which is on loan to you. What makes it so special, and how did you find it?
This violin feels like my soulmate in a lot of ways! I first played it when I was 16 years old. Bein & Fushi (an instrument shop in Chicago) generously loaned it to me for important performances. I fell in love with it instantly, but was painfully aware that I couldn’t dream of affording an instrument like that. After I got into Juilliard, some very generous people wanted to purchase an instrument that would serve a double purpose: A safe investment for them, but also a first-rate violin for me to play on.
It has been an absolute dream to play on. It has the most incredible power and projection, which is important for solo playing, and a huge range of colors to offer. Sometimes, I still can’t believe that I get to play on it every day!
Q: Let’s talk about social media. How did followers find you, and what keeps them engaged?
It began with a viral TikTok video during the pandemic, after I got into Juilliard. I began sharing more videos of me playing, and the rest is history. I didn’t intend this, but I’ve really enjoyed the ride!
Followers seem to enjoy a mixture of videos, from relatable humor for musicians, to covers of “meme” songs, to straightforward videos of me playing. I also like to share “behind the scenes” glimpses of my life – a day in my life in New York City, poking fun at myself and fun moments during rehearsals with peers. I love the idea of showing that classical music can be for everyone, and that we musicians aren’t as stiff and serious like many think. It has been an enormous privilege getting to reach new audiences around the globe and spread around some laughter, music and fun!
Q: Any advice you would share with Elon students who want to grow their audiences?
Lean into things you’re passionate about, be authentic and don’t be afraid to have fun with it. For me, it’s always refreshing to see people be themselves and show some of the not-so-perfect aspects of their lives, and I know many others feel the same.