ERIKA VARGA
plays on the RZ Capriccio
Erika Varga, Hungarian clarinetist, began her musical journey at the age of 9, playing in her local wind band. She pursued her professional studies under the guidance of Gyula Gyenge, and in 2019, graduated with honors from the prestigious Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, in the class of István Varga and Balázs Rumy. Erika furthered her education at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, earning her Master Performance degree in 2021 with the esteemed Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAS) under the tutelage of Fabio Di Càsola. She continued her studies with Robert Pickup at the Musikhochschule Luzern.
Erika has distinguished herself in both national and international competitions, securing first prizes at the FEMUS Woodwind Competition (2016), Danubia Talents Competition (2021), and the Marianne und Curt Dienemann – Stiftung Wettbewerb (2022).
As an active chamber musician, Erika is a founding member of the Varga Trio, alongside cellist Valentina Dubrovina and pianist Julia Pleninger. The trio has captivated audiences across Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Erika has collaborated with renowned orchestras including the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Concerto Budapest, UMZE Ensemble, Collegium Novum Zürich, and the Alba Regia Symphony Orchestra.
In 2024, Erika joined the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO), performing in illustrious venues such as Carnegie Hall – New York, Konzerthaus Berlin, Bozar Brussels, Lucerne Festival, Grafenegg, Bolzano Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival. Her festival appearances also include the Young Prague Festival, and Ticino Musica Festival Academy.
Erika Varga is honored to be a Young Artist of the RZ clarinet manufacture, representing their exceptional craftsmanship and contributing to the world of clarinet music.
Erika currently plays on the RZ Capriccio Clarinet.