Submitted photo Ivana Petrovic, of Rugby, will be the featured soloist during the Minot Symphony Orchestra's "Decomposing Composers" concert, which starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University.

Ivana Petrovic’s interest in violin began when she was three years old.

For her, it began after hearing a recording of British electric violinist Vanessa May.

“I began to love the sound of violin,” Petrovic said in an email, “and when my parents realized my interest was serious they began to actively seek a teacher.”

She began taking lessons through a teacher her parents, Mirek and Julia, were introduced to via a homeschool convention. Violin lessons began when Ivana was six.

“We have not been in contact since my family’s move to North Dakota, but I have fond memories of learning with her and she really gave me a solid foundation and a long lasting interest in the violin,” Ivana said.

From 2012 to 2018, Ivana played with Rugby’s Heartland Civic Orchestras. For two years, she has also been a member of the Minot Symphony Orchestra.

Ivana will be the featured soloist during the symphony’s upcoming concert, “Decomposing Composers”. She will perform the first movement from Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major, a piece she describes as “sophisticated, yet lively.”

“I feel a lot of anticipation and excitement,” Ivana said in an email, “the nerves have not kicked in yet!”

Ivana auditioned for the symphony’s High School Soloist Competition the winner of which performs his or her piece with the symphony last year however didn’t win. She decided to audition again.

“And to my astonishment I was chosen as the winner,” said Ivana, adding she was thrilled to receive an opportunity to perform with the symphony.

According to a press release from the symphony, Ivana has been studying with Jon Rumney, a professor of violin with Minot State University’s Division of Music and the symphony’s concert master. She plans to pursue a major in music performance.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., however a pre-concert talk will take place at 6:30 p.m. Ticket costs start at $25 and can be purchased online at www.minotsymphony.com or by calling 701-858-4228.