Violin prodigy Claudius Agrippa Developing his art founded on Guyanese values

When Claudius Agrippa played “Sonny” in the Maurice Braithwaite directed, Francis Farrier adaptation, of C. L. R. James’ “Minty Alley” in 2011, he added another element to his growing list of achievements.  He is earning even more plaudits because of his appearances in a series of advertisements for French luxury goods company Dior.
In these short films, his extraordinary prowess as a violinist illuminates the black and white vignettes. Barely twelve years old, Claudius has garnered much attention in the world of music. Indeed, it was his musical virtuosity during a summer workshop that precipitated I. Perlman’s recommendation to the Dior promotions.

Famously naming Claudius, an extract from Dior Magazine reads: “…Drawing on the overlap between art and fashion, Bruce Weber unveils a film specially conceived for the opening of the Dior Homme store in Miami: The film, “Can I make the music fly?” features English violinist Charlie Siem, the pianist Mason Buccheri, and 12-year-old violin prodigy Claudius Agrippa, as the film’s musical stars who joined the world of ballet by the fêted Ukrainian dancer Sergei Polunin. Together, they revisit Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy, Tzigane by Maurice Ravel, and a jazz work by Howard Brubeck.”
This prodigy’s place as a much loved son of proud Guyanese parents is one situated in solid old fashioned family values. As is the practice in most Guyanese families, he is nurtured and guided firmly but lovingly.
Claudius attends Brooklyn Friends School and has been admitted to the Julliard School of Music Advancement Program (MAP) for highly talented students ages 8 to 14. He has studied the Suzuki violin method for eight years and the piano for five at the Henry Street Settlement, NY.  He was also a very active member of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York
A veteran of approximately a hundred appearances in just the past four year on various platforms and before diverse audiences, he performs with the ISO Concert Orchestra, a position noteworthy for the age at which he started his tenure. During the 2009/2010 concert season he held the position of Concert Master with the ISO Carnegie Hill Orchestra.  In January 2010, Claudius became a member of the Boys’ Club of America where he is a member of the All Star Band.  He plays on an 1879 Mathias Neuner Geigenmacher from Mittenwald, Germany, donated by a benefactor.
Another notable performance is playing with the artistic director of the New York Concerti Sinfonietta Dr Julie Jordan, a member of The Juilliard School Evening Division piano faculty. The collaboration at the Church Concert, commemorating the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in the U.S. last year, mesmerized the audience with the “Meditation” from “Thaïs” by Massenet (the centennial of whose death was observed on Aug. 13). Dr Jordan had discovered Claudius playing the violin in the subway two months ago.
The violin virtuoso of rich Guyanese heritage is the recipient of many awards, grants and placements linked to his musical prowess and scholastic achievements. He continues to stop the show.
Always aware of and grateful for his many blessings, he gives back by performing voluntarily at centres for senior citizens, to no less applause than that which he received when playing for former President Clinton in 2010. Claudius loves playing music because it entertains, calms and brings peace to people. He plans to be the best violinist in the world. (Information from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York’s Newsletter March 2013)