Farewell to Valentina Del Re: A Violinist Remembered in Global Tributes 7

The classical music world is mourning the loss of Valentina Del Re, a virtuoso violinist celebrated for her emotive performances and dedication to musical innovation. As of April 10, 2025, tributes continue to pour in ahead of a memorial concert scheduled at Fort Worth’s Van Cliburn Concert Hall, coinciding with the 2025 Cliburn International Piano Competition—an event where Del Re once collaborated with rising stars like 2022 gold medalist Yunchan Lim 7.

Del Re, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2025, left an indelible mark on the global stage. Known for her interpretations of Romantic-era works and collaborations with orchestras from Milan to Seoul, she championed accessibility in classical music. Colleagues recall her mentorship at festivals and her advocacy for integrating traditional compositions with contemporary themes. “Valentina believed music was a bridge between generations,” shared Anna Geniushene, the 2022 Cliburn silver medalist, in a recent interview. “Her absence leaves a silence that’s hard to fathom” 7.

The upcoming Cliburn Competition (May 21–June 7, 2025) will honor Del Re with a special performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, a piece she famously recorded in 2022. Organizers have also announced a scholarship in her name to support young string musicians, reflecting her commitment to nurturing talent 7. Meanwhile, European tributes include a retrospective at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, where Del Re debuted in 2018, and a livestreamed concert from Berlin’s Philharmonie featuring archival footage of her most iconic solos 13.

Del Re’s innovative approach extended beyond the concert hall. She leveraged social media to demystify classical music, amassing over 500,000 followers with behind-the-scenes practice sessions and candid discussions about mental health in the arts. Her final project, a collaboration with digital composers to reimagine Vivaldi’s Four Seasons using AI, is set for posthumous release in late 2025. “Valentina was fearless in blending tradition with technology,” noted conductor Rafael Payare. “Her vision will resonate for decades,” 713.

Admirers worldwide have flooded online platforms with clips of Del Re’s performances, using the hashtag #ViolinForValentina. In response, the Valentina Del Re Foundation will launch in June 2025, funding outreach programs for underserved communities. “She wanted music to be a universal language, not a privilege,” said her longtime manager, Luca Ferrara. “This ensures her mission lives on.”