BIOGRAPHY

     At just 18 years of age, William Hagen is quickly emerging as one of the most talented violinists of his generation.  A native of Utah, he began violin lessons at the age of four.  Following initial studies with Natalie Reed and Deborah Moench, William entered the studio of Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where he studied for seven years.  While at the Colburn School he also participated in master classes with artists such as Pinchas Zukerman and Joseph Silverstein.  Beginning in September 2010, William began studies with Itzhak Perlman at The Juilliard School.
     Already a seasoned performer, William first soloed with orchestra when he was nine years old and has since enjoyed numerous solo engagements with ensembles across the country.  Recent and upcoming performances include his debuts with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Albany (New York) Symphony, an appearance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on NPR's From the Top, a return engagement with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and (following 6 prior performances) his subscription debut with the Utah Symphony.  He will appear at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Metropolitan Museum this spring with Mr. Perlman and alumni of the Perlman Music Program.  The 2011-2012 season will also feature his subscription debut with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
     His playing has been hailed by the Deseret News as "stunning, exhibiting a maturity and keen musicality that went far beyond his years."  The Salt Lake Tribune described Will as playing "with the heart of a poet, creating elegant, lyrical phrases and spine tingling tones," and following a performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch cited his "...impressive technique on notable display in the "perpetual motion" section in the third movement - and presence, and an unusual depth for one his age."
     In addition to his solo performances, William has appeared at festivals including the Aspen Music Festival (New Horizons Fellowship) and the ENCORE School for Strings where he studied with Robert Lipsett, and the National Arts Centre's Summer Music Institute with Pinchas Zukerman.  This summer he will return to the Perlman Music Program Summer Music School.  In 2008, he was awarded a grant from the Ahmanson Foundation for promising young artists, and in 2010 was named the Rosenblatt Artist by the Utah Symphony (an annual award presented to "a young artist of emerging national prominence").
     Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at an early age, Will has also been actively involved with fundraising concerts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 
     The second of three sons, William played for his high school varsity baseball team.  He also played for a local baseball club in tournaments throughout Utah and across the country.  He is proud of his 24 career home runs.
     William plays on an Andrea Guarneri, Cremona, c. 1675.