Definition
Tasmin Little (born 30 August 1965) is a British violinist renowned for her performances, recordings, and contributions to classical music education.
Overview
Born in London, Little began studying the violin at a young age and entered the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) as a child prodigy. She rose to prominence after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1982, becoming the first violinist to receive the award. Throughout her career, she has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Little has an extensive discography covering core violin repertoire—such as concertos by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Sibelius—as well as lesser‑known works and contemporary commissions.
In addition to performing, Little has been active in music education and community outreach. She has served as a professor of violin at the Royal Academy of Music, where she mentors emerging artists. In recognition of her services to music, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Tasmin” is a variant of “Tamsin,” itself derived from “Thomasina,” the feminine form of the name Thomas, meaning “twin” in Aramaic. The surname “Little” is of English origin, historically used as a descriptive nickname for a person of small stature or the younger of two bearers of the same name.
Characteristics
- Artistic style: Little is noted for a warm, expressive tone and a nuanced approach to phrasing, often emphasizing lyrical depth in Romantic repertoire while maintaining technical precision in virtuosic passages.
- Repertoire: Her recordings and concert programs frequently include the canonical violin concertos of Beethoven, Brahms, and Prokofiev, as well as chamber works such as the “Kreutzer” Sonata by Beethoven and the “Kreutzer” variations by contemporary composers.
- Educational impact: As a professor at the RAM, she has contributed to curriculum development and master‑class series, fostering the next generation of violinists.
- Advocacy: Little has supported initiatives that bring classical music to wider audiences, participating in outreach concerts and projects that promote music education in schools.
Related Topics
- Classical violin performance
- Royal Academy of Music
- BBC Young Musician of the Year
- British honours system (Order of the British Empire)
- Classical music recording industry
- Music education and outreach programs