For Kathryn Eberle, playing the violin has always been a way of life.
She can still remember her first lesson: It was on her third birthday, in her hometown of Nashville, Tenn. At an age where most children spend their time watching cartoons and playing with toys, Eberle was setting out on a musical journey that would last a lifetime.
Now, nearly three decades later, Eberle’s love for music has exploded. She currently serves as the associate concertmaster for the Utah Symphony, a position she has held since September 2011.
The long, impressive career path that led Eberle to Salt Lake City was inspired by her experiences as a child — both that first violin lesson at age 3 and her first solo performance at age 11.
“I don’t remember my life without the violin,” Eberle said. “After having my first solo appearance with orchestra at age 11, I began to think it was something that I’d like to pursue professionally.”
Following her undergraduate studies, Eberle received a master’s degree from the Juilliard School in 2009. Her desire to pursue music led Eberle across the country and across the world as she prepared, practiced and performed music in concert halls with prestigious symphonies and orchestras.
During her time with these groups, Eberle held various leadership positions — which helped prepare her to audition to be the associate concertmaster for the Utah Symphony in 2011.
“That’s the role (leadership) that feels most comfortable,” Eberle said.
Despite Eberle’s love and passion for the violin, she said she “tries not to think music 24/7.” Eberle describes herself as a curious person who loves to travel, enjoys trying new things and thrives on involvement with different activities.
Eberle participates in fundraisers and performs concerts in smaller, more intimate venues on her own time. She has taught private lessons and lessons to university students, and she enjoys reading as well as the skiing opportunities the area provides.
“I am very fortunate to play in such a wonderful orchestra and live in Salt Lake City,” Eberle said.
After several years of working with the Utah Symphony, Eberle will make her debut as a violin soloist with the group this weekend. On Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, Eberle will play Leonard Bernstein’s “Serenade” at Abravanel Hall.
Eberle’s solo, which is approximately 30 minutes long, is a piece she describes as being fun and full of different textures. “Serenade” is rarely performed as it is a lesser-known composition when compared to Bernstein’s music from “West Side Story.”
“Outside of the music world, this piece isn’t as well-known as some of Bernstein’s other works, but it’s just as wonderful and powerful,” Eberle said. “I’ve always admired it as a listener, and my admiration for the 'Serenade' has only grown the more I’ve gotten to know it. I think Salt Lake audiences will enjoy it as much as I do.”
Email: kguderian@deseretnews.com