Artist Spotlight: Kathlyn Stevens

Join us on November 4th to hear TBSO Assistant Concert Master, Katie Stevens, take on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto!

Kathlyn Stevens, a native of Almonte, ON, joined the TBSO violin section in 2011 before winning the position of Assistant Concertmaster in 2012. During her career, Katie has performed with major Canadian orchestras such as the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and Thirteen Strings, among others. She holds degrees from the University of Ottawa, the Mount Royal Conservatory, and the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Outside of the TBSO, Katie enjoys playing unique chamber music with the Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet and Consortium Aurora Borealis.

We asked Katie some questions to get to know her a little better. Check out our interview below!

Q: What is your favourite piece of music?

A: My favourite piece of music is Tchaikovsky‘s Swan Lake. I received a tape of it as a child and used to listen to it everyday when I was young. I remember going to the ballet in Toronto for the first time when I was a student at the RCM and I was transfixed.

Q: What is your favourite musical memory?

A: My favourite musical memory is walking up the steps for the first time at the conservatory in Toronto. I was filled with both immense excitement and nerves when I started my studies there. I felt as if I was beginning a new adventure and reflected on all the history the building held.

Q: Why did you choose the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto?

A: I fell in love with the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto when I was a little girl. Its warmth, passion and brilliance allow the solo violin to both collaborate with and soar above the orchestra.

Q: Why did you become a classical musician?

A: I became a musician after hearing the Nutcracker (particularly the celeste and violins in the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) when I was a toddler. I began my musical studies the following year.

Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring classical musicians?

A: Practice as much as you can but always take the time to experience life. It will inform all your performances.

 

Don’t forget to reserve your tickets for November 4th, you won’t want to miss it!

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Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.