What city are you living in now? Chevy Chase, MD
Where did you study? University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
What is your favorite piece of music? Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet (Entire Ballet) – The final scene is absolutely heartbreaking.
What do you enjoy in your spare time? Gardening, hiking, and competitive swimming.
What is your fondest Annapolis Symphony memory? Bartok Concerto for Orchestra – I love the technical challenges and the colorful timbres that create all the different moods of this piece. Brahms Symphonies are pretty special, too. It’s hard to pick a favorite. And I am looking forward to Stravinsky Rite of Spring if we get to perform it this year!
Karin Kelleher has had a varied and successful career in the symphonic world, playing with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, and Knoxville Symphony, and holding concertmaster positions with the Woodstock Mozart Festival, Washington Opera Society, Prairie Ensemble, and Racine Symphony Orchestra. Currently she performs with local Washington, DC arts organizations, including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Symphony, Washington Concert Opera Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic, to name but a few. In addition, she is a violinist in the Chamber Dance Project String Quartet, working collaboratively with professional dancers from all over the country to present new dance works.
In 2015, Karin released her debut album, Melange, independently created, performed, and produced with her husband, Mike Kelleher. Classical and jazz influences come together in Mike’s charts to form a unique style that reflects their personal and musical life.
An active educator, she enjoys working with young performers. She teaches privately, coaches master classes, and participates in school educational programs all over Maryland.