Emelyn Bashour

ARTIST INFORMATION

Meet the Musician

Where were you born? Where do you call home now?

I grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, and now I live in Ann Arbor.

Where did you study? Who did you study under?

Eastman School of Music with Renee Jolles for undergrad, University of Michigan with Aaron Berofsky for masters, currently studying at MSU with Yvonne Lam for my doctorate.

When did you first discover your instrument? How old were you?

My sister, who is older than me by about a year and a half, wanted to start taking violin lessons. Our local Suzuki teacher required all new students and parents to attend a certain number of group classes before starting lessons. Because I was about three at the time, I was brought along to these.

When we were done, my sister decided she didn’t want to take violin lessons anymore. The way my parents tell the story, I apparently volunteered, but I think it’s more likely that I WAS volunteered! I was a few months shy of 4 years old at the time.

How did you come to be with the KSO? What is your best memory here?

During the 22/23 season, I was invited to fill in as associate concertmaster during a cycle. I found out at that time there was an audition coming up.

So far, playing the Bartók Music for Strings Percussion and Celesta live has been a highlight.

Who is a musician/mentor who inspires you? What makes them special?

While not a violinist, conductor and soprano Barbara Hannigan is one of my idols. She has incredible mastery over everything she does, to the point where it doesn’t seem human, and is such a renegade with the combination of works she programs. She attacks everything with 200% commitment and is a huge advocate for new music, which I love, not to mention the most angelic singing voice.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? What did it feel like to play?

It’s impossible to pick, but in orchestra repertoire (excluding opera) I’d have to say my favorite pieces are Symphonie fantastique, Pines of Rome, and Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet. There’s just so much expression and so many cool textures packed into every square inch. Honorable mention to the Duruflé’s Requiem, which makes me cry every time I hear it (or play it).

What do you love most about Kalamazoo? What are your hobbies/interests outside of the music world?

Such a friendly and welcoming community! I love cooking projects and writing quartet arrangements.

Your playlist recap is here…who is your most listened to artist? (of any genre)

It’s pretty eclectic: Steely Dan is probably my top artist, up with Andrew Bird, Knower, Jamiroquai, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Afro Celt Sound System, Fieh, Haitus Kaiyote, HAIM… I listen to a lot of jazz fusion like House of Waters, Snarky Puppy, Mammal Hands, Lydian Collective, Khruangbin … and also a lot of “chamber folk,” like Vasen, Hawktail, Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek, and any other supergroup that Chris Thile has been in.