The acclaimed American concert violinist Rachel Barton Pine will present at the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC) on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. Her successful national and international career blends passion, determination and outstanding musical talent. Barton Pine has performed with many of the world’s foremost orchestras, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and her impressive discography covers a wide range of works and styles—from Antonio Vivaldi, Pablo de Sarasate, and George Frideric Handel to the Russian composer Alexander Glazunov, just to mention a few. In addition, her collection of original compositions and arrangements was published by the Carl Fischer Masters Collection, a prominent publication of sheet music that devotes collections to those who are considered masters of their instrument or music genre.
Barton Pine was introduced to music at an early age. Her sisters, who played music in their church, made a deep impact on her. As she recalls: “My church’s music was all classical, which had a profound influence on both my spiritual and professional life and how they intertwine. The music that I played during worship services as a child was mostly works by Bach and various obbligatos with the choir, such as the ‘Sanctus’ from Fauré’s Requiem. It was also very meaningful to participate in full orchestras that accompanied the choir a couple of times a year in pieces like the Bach Christmas Oratorio.”
Her parents also played a fundamental role in supporting her dream to become a violinist. She explains that it “was a big sacrifice for my mom, as she had to drive me to rehearsals and performances in far-flung suburbs multiple times a week.”
Her personal musical tastes, which began with the classical music she performed in church, are equally fascinating. For instance, she expresses a deep appreciation for Mozart’s work: “Mozart is one of many composers whom I love. I appreciate how his music is so dramatic, going from playful to profound sometimes within a single measure!” When it comes to performing this music, her favorite instruments are her Guarneri del Gesù and Nicolò Gagliano violins. As she puts it: “A beautiful violin can not only create everything that you envision, but also suggest colors that you would never have imagined!” However, her range of musical interests extends far beyond classical music. She adds, “When I’m packing my suitcase to go on tour each week, I definitely put on some of my favorite heavy metal albums!”
Beyond performance, Barton Pine is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of musicians. She fulfills this mission through the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation (RBPF), which has been operating for more than two decades. When asked whether she could recall a story of someone meaningfully impacted by her foundation, she shared a memorable example. “A lot of people don’t realize that even a 100% scholarship doesn’t make it possible for some families to take the lessons their child needs and deserves.” Barton Pine shared an example of a talented teenage violinist living in upstate New York with her mother, who was a single parent. “She was accepted to study at the prestigious Juilliard Pre-College program, but her family couldn’t afford the gas, tolls, and parking to drive to New York City each week for the free lessons. That’s where my foundation made the difference! I’m very grateful to our donors that I can help others in this way, because these are the same struggles my own family faced when I was growing up.”
Barton Pine’s professional work and personal dedication to nurturing future generations of musicians are truly inspiring. To witness her gracious and professional spirit that characterizes both her music and her message to the world at the HPAC this Sunday at 7 p.m., you may purchase tickets for this concert here.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.