Italian master’s student Matteo Lo Bracco shines in first duo performance at UL’s Rising Stars concert, showcasing international talent and contemporary classical innovation.
Matteo Lo Bracco, a master’s student in Classical String Performance at the University of Limerick, took to the stage for his first duo performance at the University Concert Hall during this year’s Rising Stars concert. Held on Sunday, April 6, the annual event highlights some of Ireland’s most promising classical musicians.
“It was my first duo performance here,” Lo Bracco explains. “But I performed here before in an orchestra.” He previously played at UCH with the Limerick Choral Union Orchestra.
A musical journey from Italy to Limerick
Originally from Italy, Lo Bracco has been playing the violin since he was six, when he began studying under violinist Chiara Morandi.
“I’ve basically played it my entire life,” he mentions.
He moved to Ireland after being accepted into UL’s classical strings programme and receiving a scholarship: the RTE Lyric FM Scholarship. The Scholarship aims to support young talented string players who wish to study at UL. RTE Lyric FM supports the musicians with €8,000 per year.
“I got the scholarship, and it made it possible,” Lo Bracco says.
Blending tradition with modern expression
He explains his decision to study in Limerick came after meeting one of the course lecturers, as well as his desire to explore a different, more contemporary approach to classical music.
“The educational approach I experienced in the different conservatories I attended back home was very traditional,” he explains. “Coming to Ireland, I found a very modern and open environment, with a real interest in research and new influences from all over the world.”
At UL, he studies under André Swanepoel in collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Outside of his academic work, he regularly performs with orchestras in Tuscany and Livorno, and recently founded the Respiro String Quartet in Limerick. The group, coached by musicians from the Irish Chamber Orchestra, has begun performing at events around the city.
He states UL has been a good fit, particularly because of the support it offers to students’ mental well-being.
“Classical music can be challenging mentally,” he said. “UL is great. They take care of their students.”
Looking ahead, Lo Bracco hopes to stay in Ireland and continue working with the quartet.
“I hope this goes on. I hope to keep playing with them here.”
A performer with purpose and vision
He’s also considering a PhD at UL, with a focus on academic research into classical music.
“Research is actually a big interest of mine,” he said. “Classical music is not a well-researched topic.”
When asked about his proudest moment as a performer, Lo Bracco reflected on a project in Italy following the 2016 earthquake.
The initiative, called Liricostruiamo—which means “we help to rebuild”—brought a series of opera concerts to towns across the Marche region in support of rebuilding efforts.
“It was something else. It had meaning,” he states. “I’ve played in bigger and more impressive venues, but that was something else.”
At Rising Stars, Lo Bracco performed three pieces: Violin Sonata in A major, D 574 (first and second movements), and The Bee by Schubert-François.
Launched in 2016, the Rising Stars series is an annual concert that offers emerging classical musicians a chance to perform at the University Concert Hall.