Rising Stars: Meet Elzbieta Tokarska of Belmont University

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elzbieta Tokarska

Hi Elzbieta, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A native of Poland, I began my formal musical education at the Arthur Rubinstein School of Music in Bydgoszcz and continued at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music, studying violin under the legendary Prof. Jadwiga Kaliszewska. During my time in Poland, I won several prestigious national competitions, including the National Audition of String Instruments (2004, 2006), the Johann Sebastian Bach National String Competition (2005), and received the European Center of Culture Award (2005) and the Viva La Musica Foundation Award (2005-2007). From 2007-2010, I was honored with the Marshal of Torun Scholarship for my musical achievements. In 2010, I was awarded the Woodruff Scholarship to continue my studies under Prof. Sergiu Schwartz at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in the United States.

In recent years, my performing career has expanded internationally. I was invited to tour Japan as part of a series of Tokarski Duo concerts, supported by the Polish Embassy in Japan and the Polish Institute in Tokyo, where I performed alongside my brother, pianist Kamil Tokarski. As a soloist, I have performed with prestigious orchestras such as Capella Bydgostensis in Poland, the Estate Musicale Frentana Festival Orchestra in Italy, and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and Schwob Philharmonic Orchestra in the United States. A major milestone in my career came in 2017, when I had the honor of making my Carnegie Hall debut in New York City.
As an orchestral musician, I regularly perform with ensembles across the southeast, including the Columbus and LaGrange Symphony Orchestras (GA), Charleston and Hilton Head Symphony Orchestras (SC), Fayetteville and Greensboro Symphony Orchestras (NC), and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra (KY). I have had the privilege of performing with world-renowned artists like Gil Shaham, Emanuel Ax, Olga Kern, Yevgeny Kutik, Bella Hristova, and Mayuko Kamio.

In addition to my performing career, I am passionate about education. I have worked with various institutions in Poland and the U.S., developing music programs. I have been involved with the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic Education Series, presenting, lecturing, and performing works by Polish composers as part of a Polish music outreach program. Since 2011, I have taught at the Schwob School of Music Preparatory Division, Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Making Music Matters Program, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s Strings Attached Program, and the Ovation Summer Music Camp Program, offering violin lessons, chamber music coaching, orchestra rehearsals, and sectional work. I have also taught violin at local elementary schools in Georgia. In 2018, I served as an Adjunct Professor at LaGrange College and, in 2023, was appointed Assistant Professor of Violin at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where I continue to nurture the artistic and technical growth of my students.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe that anyone who chooses to play an instrument inherently chooses a path of struggle, as the learning process is endless. It demands immense discipline, patience, and resilience. For me, one of the greatest struggles was moving to a new country, so far from everything and everyone I knew. However, that experience, while challenging, opened up countless new opportunities and truly transformed my life.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout my musical journey, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many facets of music, from teaching and performing to recording and composing. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had these opportunities. Currently, I am teaching both violin and viola at Belmont University, alongside wonderful artists and colleagues such as Dr. Carmine Miranda, our cello professor, and my husband, Boris Abramov.

My career has been incredibly versatile, allowing me to perform around the world with talented musicians and artists. As both a violinist and violist, I’m able to experience music from different perspectives. For a musician, it’s a rare gift to find oneself playing multiple roles within an ensemble.

I’ve had the opportunity to perform in a wide range of genres, from symphonies and operas to pop, rock, and musicals. Recently, my move to Nashville, TN, has introduced me to the commercial side of the music industry, where I’ve had the chance to record music for cinema, video games, and TV—an experience I had never explored before. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic musical community here in Nashville.

What I’m most grateful for, however, is my ability to adapt, both musically and personally. Leaving my home country was a significant adjustment, but I couldn’t be more thankful for the professional life I’ve built, which continues to allow me to grow and evolve as a musician and artist.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic definitely taught me how to navigate uncertainty and become more resourceful in adjusting to new routines. I had to quickly adapt to working from home, which made me realize the importance of self-discipline and better time management. With all of my concerts and projects canceled or postponed, I came to understand how much I had taken for granted. Things like casually going out for a coffee, meeting friends, or performing a concert—simple joys that I had never thought twice about—became things I truly appreciated once they were no longer possible.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was how essential human connection is, which shifted my perspective on what truly matters. The pandemic taught me the importance of staying adaptable and reminded me not to take anything for granted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokarska.ela/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ela.tokarska.5
• Other: https://www.belmont.edu/profiles/ela-tokarska/