Morristown Teen Named Outstanding Violinist, Meets Icon Itzhak Perlman

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Magdalena Raska is ending her senior year in high school on a high note.

The Morristown High School 12th grader has been named among the county’s most outstanding violinists by the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, and to top it off, was able to meet with legendary violinist and composer Itzhak Perlman, who performed at the venue May 7.

Raska was nominated by teacher Norma Davis, who said:

Magdalena is a senior violinist and has been a member of the Morristown High School Orchestra for the past four years. Magdalena serves as concertmaster of the orchestra where she exhibits excellent musicianship and leadership in every rehearsal. In addition to the orchestra, Magdalena plays first violin in the select MHS String Ensemble and in the advanced Camerata chamber group. She has performed at a number of community and school events where she has enjoyed having the opportunity to share her talent with others. Every year, Magdalena has also performed in the Solo and Small Ensemble concert. Music is very important in Magdalena's life and playing the violin is a vital form of expression for her.

A total of seven violinists from around Morris County were honored for the month. All will be invited back for an end of the year recital in June.

Pictured: Front, Itzhak Perlman. Back; Jocelyn Alam, Grade 10, Mendham High School, Mendham; Olivia Guarinello, Grade 8, Randolph Middle School, Randolph; Kimberly Love, Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School, Parsippany; Magdalena Raska, Grade 12, Morristown High School, Morristown; Meghan Sitaram, Grade 12, Chatham High School, Chatham; Natalie Stadler, Grade 12, Randolph High School, Randolph. Photo Courtesy Mayo Performing Arts Center.