Concertmaster Elisa Wicks
Elisa Wicks is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music where she received a Bachelor’s and then a combined Master’s degree in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy. Her teachers included Linda Cerone, Stephen Rose, Terri Einfeldt, and Michelle George. While in Cleveland, Elisa was a member of the Suzuki faculty at the Cleveland Music School Settlement, where she taught lessons and group classes. She also developed a passion for baroque music and baroque performance practice, became the concertmaster of the Case Baroque Orchestra, and began studying privately with the renowned baroque violinist Cynthia Roberts. Elisa was featured as soloist with the orchestra for many pieces, including Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto. Together with her husband Eric (who plays organ, harpsichord, and piano), she enjoyed the opportunity to perform many recitals and pre-concert lectures on period instruments throughout the Cleveland area.
In 2004 Elisa relocated to Butler, where she continues as an active performer and teacher. She currently performs with the Academy Chamber Orchestra (Principal Second violin), the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, the Wheeling Symphony, the Pittsburgh Baroque Ensemble, for Bach and the Baroque, and is a frequent guest artist with Chatham Baroque. Known for her lyrical style and heartfelt performances, Elisa is often in demand as both a soloist and chamber musician.
The 2011-2012 season will be Elisa’s sixth with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, her first as Concertmaster, and her solo debut with the orchestra.
A Colorado native, Elisa’s other interests include horseback riding, cooking, hiking and fiddling. She loves spending time with her husband and their three sons.
