Susanna Perry Gilmore, Concertmaster of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, maintains an active schedule of solo recitals and chamber music collaborations which currently include performances of the Beethoven Sonata Cycle with pianist Victor Asuncion and recitals sponsored by the Arts in Education Institute of Western New York. In addition, Ms. Gilmore currently serves as Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Violin at the University of Memphis. In the summer of 2007 she joins the faculty at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan as the Valade Violin Fellow.
During her tenure in Memphis Ms. Gilmore's performance abilities have
Susanna Perry Gilmore, Concertmaster
First Season with MSO: 1997-1998
contributed to a wide variety of musical programs. She has twice been named Premier String Player in the region by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; she has appeared on recordings by Kallen Esperian, Shelby Lynne, Ruby Wilson, and the Nexos and Dorian record labels. Her work with the Crittenden Arts Council and other arts organizations has afforded her the opportunity to play for and educate children and teachers throughout the Mid-South. She has also been a faculty member at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts, the Hot Springs Music Festival, and (as an instructor in Celtic fiddle) at the Memphis Suzuki Institute.
Ms. Gilmore received her Bachelor's in Music at Oxford University and spent a year of post-graduate study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where studied with violinist Yfrah Neaman. She then received her Master's degree in Violin Performance at New England Conservatory under the instruction of James Buswell. Prior to her studies in England, Ms. Gilmore studied with Christian teal at the Blair School of Music and with Mimi Zweig at Indiana University.
Before joining the Memphis Symphony, Ms. Gilmore spent two years as a member of the Rackham String Quartet, a nationally touring ensemble based in California. She was also a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Norfolk Music Festival, and the Sarasota Chamber Music Festival.
When not working as a classical violinist, Ms. Gilmore plays the Irish fiddle with her husband in the band Planet Reel and spends time with her daughters Katy and Zoe.
