Emily Ondracek-Peterson, Violinist and Artistic Director

violinist / artistic director / educator

“Emily Ondracek walked on stage to play Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto and walked off a violin superstar.”
–Chicago Daily Herald

“Ondracek reveled in the dazzling passagework.”
–Strad Magazine

“Emily Ondracek-Peterson provided elegant solo work.”
–The New York Times

“Her cool poise on sustained high notes was admirable.”
–The Washington Post

Brahms Violin Sonata No 3, Op 108

Nico Muhly: Depression and Mental Health in Classical Music

Philip Glass Minimalist Violin Sonata, Emily Ondracek-Peterson, violin; Richard Masters, piano

Crested Butte Music Festival plays Mozart: Rondeau. Allegro 3rd mvt from Duo for Violin and Viola

Dr. Emily Ondracek Peterson: Violin Professor @ MSU Denver

Emily OP Violin at Tivoli Brewing

How old were you when you started playing violin?

I was 4 years old when I started playing with the Aurora (IL) Suzuki Violins.

What are your favorite musical experiences?

Playing as soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Orchestra Hall (my favorite hall) and with my string quartet, Voxare, in Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic.

Do you have any favorite recordings?

Gil Shaham’s recordings of the Barber and Korngold Violin Concertos. I also love anything in the David Oistrakh and Heifitz discographies. The Mahavishnu Orchestra's Birds of Fire and music by Metallica (especially for running!), Radiohead, and Rolling Stones are among my most listened.

Why are you a musician?

I love listening to music – all kinds of music. As a child, I loved the challenge of mastering violin technique and learning new pieces. I was always looking towards the next piece and developing the technical ability to play my favorite pieces. At some point, I realized that I loved making music and I wanted to become a professional musician. Now, I still love performing music, especially with others, but I also enjoy sharing my passion for music with others as an educator and teacher.Read about my favorite and least favorite aspects of being a musician HERE.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of being a musician?

I wrote about that HERE.

Why did you get a doctorate in music and music education from Columbia University after attending Juilliard as a performance major?

I wrote about that HERE.

Any advice for young musicians?

Of course! Actually, I was just asked about this at a recent masterclass I was teaching. Read my responses HERE.