Violinist · Rome
Italian-American violinist Bartholomew Fortino Shields performs throughout the United States and Europe — hailed in The Baltimore Sun as “amazing.”
News
Bartholomew and pianist Chan Mi Jean recorded their debut album at Studio Steinway Recording in Fulbeck, England in June 2025. The London-based Sheva Collection has been reviewed in Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine, the Financial Times and the Naxos Music Library.
Performances ahead in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the USA — see the full schedule for dates, venues and programs as they are announced.
Bartholomew is the founder and artistic director of the Vilacello String and Piano Festival, an international solo and chamber music program for students in Italy and the United States.
An internationally recognized teacher, Bartholomew maintains an active private studio and is currently accepting new students of all levels. Live online lessons can be booked and paid for online — including a free introduction lesson.
Listen
Follow Bartholomew on Spotify to hear his recordings, including his debut album with pianist Chan Mi Jean for the Sheva Collection.
Vilacello String and Piano Festival
Founded and directed by Bartholomew, Vilacello is a one-week intensive festival for violin, viola, cello and piano students of all levels — individual lessons, chamber coaching, masterclasses, faculty recitals and student performances, with faculty trained at the world's most prestigious institutions and laureates of competitions including Classic Violin Olympus, Joachim and Queen Elisabeth.
“One of the young emerging talents on the contemporary classical scene.”