Hometown:
Columbia, South Carolina
Education:
Furman University, Bachelor of Music (2027)
Bio:
Juliet Swaim is a third-year student at Furman University, where she is a Violin Performance and French double major studying with Dr. Anastasia Petrunina. She has served as both concertmaster and principal second violin in the Furman Symphony Orchestra and was the winner of the FSO Concerto Competition in 2024. She has also been a member of Furman‘s honors string quartets and is a member of the GreenvilleBillies, Furman‘s bluegrass ensemble.
What inspired you to become a musician?
When I was little, my dad played Strauss’ “Beim Schlafengehen” on his CD player. The concertmaster solo was so beautiful that I begged my parents to let me learn violin!
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Mahler is my favorite composer, and his Third Symphony is my favorite piece. It is such a massive work that is so thematically and emotionally complex, and it resonates with me in a way no other piece does!
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I also love bluegrass and play in the bluegrass band (the GreenvilleBillies) at my school!
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to run! I have run four half marathons and would love to run a full marathon in the future.
Why did you choose the NRO?
NRO stood out to me as a festival that prepares young musicians for careers in orchestra through intensive training and repertoire, an expansive network of mentors, and opportunities community engagement and outreach. But beyond that, it was very clear to me that NRO offers a uniquely supportive and uplifting community that I believe to be so crucial to growth as young musicians in our society today.