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Summarized by Deseret Book Press Release
Young LDS Violinist Gains Chair in National Symphony
WASHINGTON, DC -- Jenny Oaks Baker, a twenty-five year old Salt Lake
City native, has been chosen as a member of the prestigious National
Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She will make her debut
performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on
September 20th, when the orchestra opens its 2000-2001 season.
More than 80 candidates from throughout the United States and Europe
auditioned for the two open violin chairs in the world-renowned
group. Now in its 69th season, the National Symphony Orchestra, under
the baton of director Leonard Slatkin, has earned praise around the
world during its numerous national and overseas tours. It is
generally recognized as one of the world's finest orchestras. The
Symphony regularly participates in events of national and
international prominence, including Presidential inaugurations and
annual holiday celebrations in the nation's capital.
Baker began playing the violin at the age of four and made her solo
recital debut in 1983 when she was only eight years old. She is a
winner of the Concerto Soloists National Young Artists String
Competition, the National Music Camp Concerto Competition, and the
Utah Symphony Guild Competition. She took honors in the Kingsville
International String Competition and is the recipient of the
Michaelian Prize in the Irving M. Klein String Competition.
She received her bachelor's degree in violin performance from the
Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and a master's degree in
music from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
Baker has recorded three albums for Shadow Mountain, an imprint of
Deseret Book, and has captured five Pearl Awards from the Faith
Centered Music Association, including three earlier this month for
her latest album, Where Love Is. She recently performed at
"An Evening of Celebration" in honor of LDS Church President Gordon
B. Hinckley's 90th birthday.
Her selection to the National Symphony Orchestra not only recognizes
her musical accomplishments, but also her commitment to performing.
The 100-member orchestra has a 52-week, 175-concert schedule each
year, including a classical subscription series, pops concerts, and
an extensive educational program, including Young People's concerts
presented to more than 40,000 students each year. The orchestra also
performs concerts designed to introduce high school students to
classical music, develops study programs to encourage minority
musicians, sponsors a competition to recognize gifted soloists, and
participates in several lecture series.
Baker is the daughter of Dallin H. Oaks and the late June Oaks of
Salt Lake City. She and her husband, Matthew Baker, live in Northern
Virginia.
Source:
Young LDS Violinist Gains Chair in National Symphony
Deseret Book Press Release 22Aug00 A2
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