Violinist Elizabeth “Libby” Phelps, whose playing has been described as “vigorous and vivacious” with “impressive technique and interpretive sensibility” (CVNC), leads a diverse musical career. Her repertoire spans across centuries and genres, from period-instrument performances of the early baroque to contemporary works and collaborations with singer-songwriters. Growing up in New Haven, Connecticut, Elizabeth began violin just shy of her fourth birthday at the Bethwood Suzuki School in Bethany, CT with Lisa Barca-Hall. Elizabeth was a fellow in the New World Symphony from 2009 to 2013, working with a myriad of conductors and musicians. Highlights of her fellowship include playing in masterclasses for Jorja Fleezanis and Jordi Savall, joining Paula Robison for a performance Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire, and performing Brahms’ Viola Quintet in G Major with Christian Tetzlaff. In the summer of 2010, Ms. Phelps attended the Lucerne Festival Academy in Switzerland where she worked with members of Ensemble Intercontemperain and the late Pierre Boulez. Following her fellowship with New World, Ms. Phelps spent four years as Principal Second Violin of the North Carolina Symphony in Raleigh. She soloed frequently with the orchestra (including, notably, a performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 on piccolo violino) and performed numerous recitals and chamber music throughout the state. From 2014-2019, she was on faculty for the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC as a teacher, chamber coach, and member of the first violin section. Other highlights from her time in North Carolina include performing with composer and singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, collaborating with dancers from Black Irish for a performance of Caroline Shaw’s quartet “Entr’acte” at Kings Barcade in Raleigh, as well as both recording and performing with Kaira Ba, a North Carolina based band featuring renowned kora player Diali Cissokho.
