About Us
The Duo Ingolfsson-Stoupel was founded with the mission of exploring new paths within the intimate realm of the violin-piano recital. Sharing a profound connection and a passion for the music of the 20th century, we seek to uncover and illuminate the intricate relationships between composers, historical events, and the transcendent power of music. Our performances aim to bridge the past and present, bringing lesser-known masterpieces into contemporary concert life and creating programs that resonate deeply with today’s audiences.
Over the years, we have championed works by composers whose legacies were shaped or curtailed by the turbulence of the 20th century, particularly the world wars. Through meticulous research and innovative programming, we craft concert and recording projects that revive these pivotal voices, ensuring they remain a vital part of the classical canon. Our approach combines historical awareness with a commitment to presenting these works in fresh, relevant contexts alongside standard repertoire.
A highlight of our journey together has been the rediscovery and world premiere performance of Paul Arma’s unpublished Sonata for Violin and Piano (1949) at the Konzerthaus Berlin. Sourced directly from the composer’s family, the manuscript’s debut was hailed as the “sensation of the evening” by Deutschlandfunk. Experiences like these—bringing forgotten works to life and sharing their impact with audiences—define the essence of our collaboration.
As seasoned soloists, we each bring a wealth of individual artistry to our partnership, yet the duo offers us something singular: the constant exchange of ideas, inspiration, and challenge that comes from true artistic dialogue. This collaboration pushes us beyond our individual boundaries, creating performances that are both technically exacting and profoundly expressive.
Together, we are committed to crafting musical journeys that inspire curiosity, connect stories across time, and celebrate the enduring relevance of chamber music.
Duo Ingolfsson-Stoupel: Biography
The Duo Ingolfsson-Stoupel, formed by violinist Judith Ingolfsson and pianist Vladimir Stoupel, has earned international recognition for its compelling interpretations, innovative programming, and profound artistry. Both acclaimed soloists in their own right, Ingolfsson and Stoupel bring a wealth of experience to their partnership, creating performances that resonate with deep musical insight and emotional power.
The duo's repertoire spans the traditional canon as well as lesser-known works, with a special focus on music from the 20th century. Their artistic vision is driven by a commitment to uncovering and revitalizing overlooked masterpieces, particularly works by composers whose lives and careers were shaped or cut short by the upheavals of the 20th century.
Duo Ingolfsson-Stoupel has performed at prestigious venues and festivals around the globe, including the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, the Brandenburgische Sommerkonzerte, and the "Voix Etouffées" Festival in Paris. Their U.S. appearances have included engagements at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Bargemusic in New York, and Music in Corrales in New Mexico, among others.
The duo’s groundbreaking projects include “Concert-Centenaire,” which explores French music from the Belle Époque through the aftermath of World War I, and has been lauded for its scholarly and artistic depth. Their recording projects have received widespread critical acclaim, including nominations for the International Classical Music Awards. Highlights of their discography include En Hommage: Simon Laks, Concert-Centenaire (a three-CD set featuring works by Fauré, Magnard, Stephan, and Vierne), and Blues, Blanc, Rouge (with sonatas by Ravel, Poulenc, and Ferroud). Their 2021 and 2023 releases feature the violin and viola sonatas of Rebecca Clarke, and violin sonatas by Rathaus, Tiessen, and Arma.
In addition to their performance and recording activities, Ingolfsson and Stoupel are dedicated educators and curators. They serve as artistic directors of the “Aigues-Vives en Musiques” festival in France, “The Last Rose of Summer” festival in Berlin, and the International Bach Academy in Eisenach. Since 2017, they have also curated two concert series in Berlin: “Duo Plus” at the Mendelssohn-Remise and “Wednesday at the Institut” at the Institut Français.
Both artists have been recognized with France’s prestigious title Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for their contributions to cultural heritage. Their dynamic partnership continues to captivate audiences worldwide, combining technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a shared passion for storytelling through music.