Margaret Leenhouts

Margaret Leenhouts

Instrument: Violin

With the RPO since: 1994

Favorite time of year in Rochester and why? Summer, because we finally get to see the sun and I can get warm.

Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

Drink or food you're most likely to order at Java's: Lots of coffee

First music-related memory: Playing Twinkle Twinkle in a very dark church with my father accompanying me on the piano. Strangely, that is the only time I ever saw him play piano!

I decided to be a professional musician when ... I couldn't seem to give the violin away.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Pralines and cream

Do you teach private students? Yes

What other orchestras have you performed with? New Haven, Honolulu

Favorite restaurant in town and why? We like to go to Friendly's because the kids are very happy there.

What types of music do you like to listen to? I love working on music and figuring out how to make it work. I'd rather do that than listen to it.

Do you have a pet? 2 kitty cats

The RPO is essential to Rochester because ... It keeps great musicians in town and every community needs artists.

My favorite part of working in the RPO is ... when the orchestra gets inspired and plays as a single soul.

If someone were visiting Rochester, what would you tell them to go see or do? Check out the Little Theater, do some boating or spend time at the beach (remember, I like summer).

Biography

Margaret Leenhouts earned her bachelor’s degree at Yale University and completed a doctorate in violin performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music. Additional musical studies include Mannes College of Music and The Juilliard School. With the RPO since 1994, she has also performed with the New Haven, Grand Rapids and Honolulu Symphony Orchestras. She is also an avid chamber musician and has performed with the Eos and Evergreen String Quartets and the Sedona (Ariz.) Chamber Music Society. She is on the violin faculty of the Eastman School of Music.