Alexei Mejouev, violin

When Alexei Mejouev began playing in the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra as a junior in high school, he became the youngest member ever to join.  He also plays in the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Accidentals (UNCW based chamber ensemble), his own string quartet, and sings in The Voyagers (advanced choral ensemble at Hoggard High School).  Outside of the classical music genre, Alexei plays with a nationally touring Dave Matthews Tribute Band, including a performance at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach and the Downtown Sundown concert series in Wilmington.  In addition to his performing schedule, Alexei teaches at a local violin camp in the summer called Fiddlers By the Sea.
 
Not surprisingly, Alexei comes from a musical family.  His mother graduated from a music school in Russia and sang with a choir all over Europe, including a performance for the Pope.  The family immigrated to the U.S. when Alexei was only 15 months old, and they speak only Russian at home.
 
When asked what inspired him to become a musician, Alexei says, “I am so thankful for my music teachers I’ve had here in Wilmington, my first teacher, Nancy McAllister and now Beverly Andrews along with others that have helped me get where I am. The inspire me to keep doing what I’m doing. As in famous role models definitely Gil Shaham, my favorite violinist and one day I hope to at least play with half of his ability. Shaham is also a cool dude which is a plus in my book.”
 
He is the winner of the 35th and 39th annual Richard R. Deas Student Concerto Competition, and will be performing the Barber Violin Concert with the Wilmington Symphony in February.

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