Misha Rosenker
Principal Second Violin, Des Moines Symphony Orchestra

Misha Rosenker enjoys a diverse career as a solo performer, chamber musician, orchestral player, and teacher. The Baltimore Sun reviewed a recent performance as "terrific music-making - technically refined, emotionally charged."

Mr. Rosenker is Associate Professor of Violin at Drake University and Principal Second Violin of the Des Moines Symphony. He was a faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University during academic year 2002-03, replacing Martin Beaver of the Tokyo String Quartet. He was previously a faculty member at the University of Georgia, a member of the Sacramento Symphony, and associate concertmaster of the Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra.

An active chamber music performer, Mr. Rosenker has collaborated with members of the Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Cleveland Orchestras, as well as the Borodin, Brentano, Manhattan, and Mendelssohn Quartets. He performs regularly with the Mozaiques Chamber Ensemble, in residence at the Des Moines Art Center, and in a duo with pianist Nicholas Roth. He has performed and presented master classes at top schools including Brigham Young University, Dartmouth College, and
the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. From 1999-2003, he was a violin faculty member at the Brevard Music Center, and principal second violin of the Festival Orchestra. He has participated in numerous festivals, including the Carmel Bach Festival and Sun Valley Summer Symphony.

Mr. Rosenker was born and raised in California into a distinguished musical family. After early studies with his father, Michael
Rosenker, former associate concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, Mr. Rosenker continued his studies with Josef Gingold
and Sidney Harth. He has also coached extensively with Franco Gulli, Paul Biss, Glenn Dicterow, János Starker, and Menahem Pressler. Mr. Rosenker received his Master's degree from Yale University and earned his Bachelor's degree from Indiana University, where he was recipient of the Gladys Gingold Memorial Scholarship and was awarded a Performer's Certificate - the school's highest honor for performance.

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