We are honored to have DESIREE RUHSTRAT return for her seventh appearance with the Strings. Since her debut at age 12 with Lucas Foss and the Milwaukee Symphony, Ms, Ruhstrat has appeared as soloist with orchestras throughout the world, including the Berlin Radio, Gottingen, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah Symphonies, Radio Suisse Romande, and by special invitation of Sir Georg Solti in Chicago's Orchestra Hall.

Ms. Ruhstrat has won numerous awards including first prize at the National Young Musicians' Debut Competition in Los Angeles. She became the youngest prize winner at Switzerland's Tibor Varga International Competition and went on to earn top prizes at the Carl Flesch, Julius Stulberg, and Mozart Festival Violin Competitions.

Her distinguished career as a chamber musician includes performances here and abroad as a member of the GRAMMY nominated Lincoln Trio and Black Oak Ensemble. A champion of new music Ms. Ruhstrat has worked with some of the world's leading composers including Cart Orff, George Crumb, William Bolcom. Jennifer Higdon, Shularnit Ran and Augusta Read Thomas.

A graduate of the Curlis Institute of Music, her teachers have included Aaron Rosand, Joseph Gingold, Harold Wippler and Dorothy Delay. Her recordings include the Stamitz Duo for Violin and Viola, the Ravel Duo for Violin and Cello, the 2013 GRAMMY nominated "Annelies," based on the Diary of Anne Frank, and multiple recordings with the Lincoln Trio and Black Oak Ensemble.

"...she played with such an intensive fire and sleepwalking assuredness that she was stormily celebrated by the audience".
– Berlin Taggespiel

October 15, 2023
Bolcom and Brahms

Highland Park High School
433 Vine, Highland Park
Free Admission, 3 p.m.

JEAN MILEW
A New America: Highland Park Strong-Response to July 4

WILLIAM BOLCOM
Concerto for Violin in D Major
Desiree Ruhstrat, Violin

JOHANNES BRAHMS
Symphony No, 2 in D Major