Hometown:
Carson City, Nevada
Education:
University of Maryland, College Park, Master of Music, 2025
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, 2023
Bio:
Violinist Eleanor Sturm, a graduate student at the University of Maryland, holds a Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has performed as concertmaster with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Tahoe Symphony, Nevada All-State Orchestra, and the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. As a fellow, Eleanor attended the National Orchestral Institute+Festival, Kent Blossom Music Festival, and the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I joined the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program when I was nine years old, and going to rehearsal was always the highlight of my week. My passion for orchestral playing has continued to grow over the years!
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
Sergei Prokofiev, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonín Dvořák, Johannes Brahms. Even before I played violin, I especially loved Tchaikovsky’s ballet music because I studied ballet when I was young.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I was born in England to American parents, and we moved to the U.S. when I was one year old. I’ve never had the opportunity to return but hope to someday.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to play board games and watch movies with family and friends.
Why did you choose the NRO?
The unique opportunity to perform an entire season’s worth of repertoire in a summer is very exciting, and I’m looking forward to meeting other passionate and inspiring musicians.