Bella Hristova: Milestones with Jaime Laredo at Carnegie Hall

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In just a few days I’ll be returning to the Carnegie Hall stage as soloist, performing the Dvořák Violin Concerto with the New York String Orchestra, conducted by Jaime Laredo. I first met Jaime more than half my life ago when I was a participant in the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and he has been one of the most important influences in my musical life ever since. The concert will mark more than two decades of history together – first as teacher and student, then as colleagues and dear friends. 

Anyone who has studied with Jaime has directly experienced his generosity and encouragement: he has the understanding that support and positivity are fundamental to effectively teaching young musicians. Studying with Jaime in my early twenties was transformative for me, and his warmth and encouragement gave me the space to express my own ideas with confidence and freedom. In our lessons he started with the baseline expectation that the small details would already be in place; the emphasis was consistently focused on the big picture considerations of the performance itself. 

It was a period of immense musical growth in my life, and it was during that time I reclaimed my connection to the violin – not as the instrument chosen for me in childhood, but as one I was now choosing for myself. I remember this feeling most clearly while we were working on the Elgar Concerto. Learning the piece with Jaime made me fall in love with music again, and by extension, with the violin itself. 

Soon after beginning my solo career I played the Dvořák Concerto with Jaime conducting, and I still vividly remember those rehearsals and performances with the Vermont Symphony, nearly 16 years ago. It was my first time playing the concerto with orchestra, and the scope and technical demands of the piece felt daunting. Returning to it now, those challenges no longer define the experience of playing it, and the focus shifts, joyfully, to the music itself. What once felt intimidating now feels inviting. In so many ways, the Dvořák represents to me the qualities I associate with Jaime himself: generosity, empathy, and an open, heartfelt sense of warmth. 

I’ve played with Jaime on the podium many times, and there is a trust and comfort there that is hard to put into words. He has been in my place on stage as soloist for decades and knows this repertoire firsthand. When I perform with him I’m able to focus entirely on the music unfolding in the moment. I can follow my instincts, react to what’s happening, and simply play – it’s as fulfilling a musical collaboration as a performer can ask for. 

When Jaime invited me to play the Dvořák for this concert – his final time conducting the New York String Orchestra Seminar – I found myself at a loss for words. I’ve been fortunate to play as soloist with NYSOS on multiple occasions, but returning this year with the Dvořák brings new meaning as my musical relationship with the orchestra comes full circle. I have the opportunity to perform this concerto with Jaime again, now shaped by experience, time, and perspective… and the fact that the concert falls on my 40th birthday is simply the cherry on top! 

Needless to say, I can’t wait to be back on the Carnegie Hall stage, fully present in the moment, surrounded by gifted young musicians – many of whom will experience what it means to step onto that stage for the first time, as I did all those years ago. Remembering that feeling and sharing this milestone with them feels like the most meaningful way to honour Jaime and the joyful spirit of the Seminar. 

My career has taken me around the world performing with wonderful conductors and orchestras. The upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall on 28 December brings so many of my musical experiences together, all to celebrate the legendary musician I get to call my mentor, colleague, and friend: Jaime Laredo.