Violinist, Jennifer Orchard has called Pittsburgh her home since 2001. She is a member of the first violin section of the illustrious Pittsburgh Symphony and also the Clarion Quartet, which focuses on music of suppressed composers. They have mainly performed music by Jewish composers who suffered exile and execution at the hand of the Nazis. They recorded three such works for the Naxos called “Breaking the Silence”. They have embarked on including any composer who has not received the critical acclaim they deserve including African composers, women composers and will continue to explore this great unknown world of classical music.

 

Orchard diverse musical interests also include the music of Russian Romantic period composer, Paul Juon. Teaming up with pianist, Igor Kraevsky, the duo recorded two world premier CDs of all of his works for violin and piano.

 

In her first career, Jennifer was a member of the world renowned Lark Quartet and recorded extensively under the Arabesque label during her eight year tenure with this group.

 

Orchard received her bachelors degree from the Curtis Institute and her masters from The Juilliard School. She won a coveted position at the Marlboro Festival and was also invited to perform chamber music in Mumbai, India. At the invitation of famed composer/conductor, Marvin Hamlisch, she was a guest of honor performing with Marvin at the piano at the Kuwaiti embassy. Throughout her career, Orchard has branched out to include some fiddle playing and has recorded and performed with singer songwriter, Andrew Lipke.

Orchard plays an Andreas Guarnerius violin.