Suzanne Kelly, a native of Texas, was a violinist with the North Carolina Symphony for forty-seven seasons, from 1973-2020, performing also in numerous chamber groups and recitals. In addition, she enjoyed traveling to New Mexico every summer to play with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Over forty-six seasons, she performed 149 different operas… a unique achievement for any musician! Five of these productions included her son, Austin. Her passion for flamenco, which she cultivated during her summers in Santa Fe, led her to perform a dance solo at a North Carolina Symphony Pops event in 2008.
    Suzanne attended the first four charter years of the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. After earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from the University of Illinois, she performed with the New Orleans Symphony, then toured with the National Ballet of Canada. She is incredibly grateful for her “musical years with the North Carolina Symphony, and for her many friendships with outstanding musicians.” Attending their concerts now, along with her husband John Pederson (former Principal Bassoon), is a true joy.
    Suzanne continues to enjoy her passions of bicycle tours and world travels, and looks forward to taking a private tour of the villa of her favorite composer, Richard Strauss, this summer.