One of the world's leading violinists, Julia Fischer is a versatile musician also known for her extraordinary abilities as a concert pianist, a chamber musician, and a music teacher. She received her first violin lessons at the age of three; beginning piano lessons with her mother, Viera Fischer, soon after; and at age nine beginning studied with the renowned violin professor Ana Chumachenco, later becoming her successor at the University of Munich. Winning First Prize at the International Yehudi Menuhin Competition in 1995 was a milestones in her early career; she has since performed with top orchestras worldwide, frequently collaborating with many of the world's most renowned conductors.