Violins are often used in films, television and scores to evoke emotion, from frantic excitement to deep despair. Perhaps one of today’s brightest masters of the instrument is Jennifer Koh, who comes to the OKC Philharmonic on Oct. 7.
Koh, a Chicago native, only chose the violin as a child because the school’s slots for cello and piano were taken. Despite her preliminary reluctance, the violin agreed with her; by 11, she made her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the rest is history.
Koh’s accolades are numerous; she was named Musical America’s 2016 Instrumentalist of the Year and has won the Concert Artists Guild Competition. She is also the recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant, given out by the Lincoln Center to subsidize talented instrumentalists who the board and committees at the center believe have great potential for solo careers.
“Koh is recognized for her intense, commanding performances, delivered with dazzling virtuosity and technical assurance,” says Susan Webb, marketing director at OKC Philharmonic. “We are very honored to have a musician of her renown performing Barber’s violin concerto.”
Koh performs at 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall. Visit okcphil.org for tickets.
