Daily Bow: New Concertmaster at Minnesota Orchestra



 

Not all orchestra concertmasters are stuffy old men!

The Minnesota Orchestra has chosen a gifted soloist and chamber musician as its new concertmaster. Erin Keefe assumes the position when the orchestra opens its season next weekend. She succeeds Jorja Fleezanis, who left in 2009 after 20 years to become professor of music at Indiana University.

Keefe, 31, was a violinist with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center during the 2010-11 season. Previous to that, she was a member of the Chamber Music Society Two program. She performs regularly with the Brooklyn Chamber Music Society and Boston Chamber Music Society.

The choice of concertmaster is more than just who can lead a section of instruments. The concertmaster also plays an important role in representing the organization, both internally and externally.

The concertmaster, along with the conductor, is the face of the orchestra to the public. Fleezanis was well-known in the Twin Cities community for her advocacy of new music and her ease in public settings.

The role serves as a liaison between musicians and conductor — the first person to see the score and gauge what the conductor wants. As first violinist, she makes important decisions that determine how the music should be phrased, and she is first choice for solos.

Keefe’s musical talents are unquestioned, but she has not held a position of leadership in a major symphony orchestra.

“I am really convinced that we have found the right person,” said music director Osmo Vänskä, who was in Finland on Thursday. “We need a great player and then we would like to see her become a leader onstage and offstage, too.”

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Who is your concertmaster? What purpose do they serve in your orchestra? Have you showed them any appreciation lately?




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