“Erin Keefe is poised on the edge of her dressing-room practice chair, focused on a complicated section of the Beethoven Septet she will perform,” writes Kristin Tillotson in Sunday’s (2/21) Star Tribune (Minneapolis). “ ‘I’ve never played this one before,’ she said in the matter-of-fact manner that comes as naturally to her as putting bow to strings. ‘It’s best to have more rehearsal time, but I tend to do well under pressure.’ Keefe, 35, has just briskly summed up one of the key reasons she’s so suited to her job as the Minnesota Orchestra’s concertmaster. She is straightforward, centered and almost unnervingly calm as she prepares for another night onstage as the Twin Cities’ most prominent violinist—now married to the orchestra’s music director, Osmo Vänskä.… Keefe brought an impressive résumé when she signed on in September 2011 after a two-year search to replace Jorja Fleezanis—degrees from the Curtis Institute and Juilliard; grand prizes in several competitions; a solo recording; performances in many top chamber groups and festivals.… [As concertmaster] she must project leadership while keeping diplomacy always at the fore.” The article includes a photo gallery and video.
Posted February 23, 2016
