Guest artist Rachel Barton Pine shares musical inspirations

EYSO’s Youth Symphony has spent the last week of concert preparations firmly focused on monumental repertoire by Mahler, Martinu, and Sibelius — the Finnish composer’s famed violin concerto for which they will be joined by acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

At Friday night’s dress rehearsal, we spent a long time talking with Rachel onstage about everything from her 1742 Guarneri violin to preparing for college auditions.  Rachel was most excited to share more about her “violin hero” Maud Powell, America’s first violin superstar.

Below, Rachel tells us about the incredible legacy of Maud Powell and why it was not just her career but also her values that has been such an inspiration in Rachel’s life:

See Rachel Barton Pine perform Jean Sibelius’ violin concerto at MONUMENTAL: Sunday, November 8, at 7:30pm.  Tickets available at tickets.elgin.edu.