Jennifer Frautschi

Jennifer Frautschi serves as Artist-in-Residence in Violin at Stony Brook University's Department of Music. A two-time GRAMMY nominee and Avery Fisher career grant recipient, she has established an international reputation as a deeply expressive and technically masterful violinist with a remarkably diverse repertoire spanning from Schumann and Brahms to contemporary composers like Barbara White and Mason Bates.

Her educational background includes:

• Early violin training using the Suzuki Method starting at age 3
• Studies with Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School and University of Southern California
• Undergraduate studies at Harvard University
• Training at the New England Conservatory of Music
• Advanced studies with Robert Mann at The Juilliard School

Frautschi's artistic profile is defined by her commitment to both preserving classical traditions and advancing contemporary music. Critics have praised her 'staggering energy and finesse' and 'fierce expression,' with Cleveland Classical describing her Brahms Violin Concerto performance as 'the most magnificent performance by a guest soloist in recent memory.' Her performances seamlessly blend technical precision with profound musical insight across historical periods.

Her recording catalog reveals a thoughtful artistic trajectory, moving fluidly between Romantic masterworks, 20th century classics, and cutting-edge contemporary compositions. Notable patterns include her dedication to American composers of her generation, her exploration of violin-piano repertoire, and her commitment to expanding the contemporary violin literature through premieres of new works.

Her significant honors include:

• GRAMMY nomination for 'Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra)' (2006) for Schoenberg Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra
• GRAMMY nomination for 'Best Chamber Music Performance' (2011) for Schoenberg Third String Quartet
• Avery Fisher career grant

As an active performer, Frautschi maintains a robust international schedule as both soloist and chamber musician. She is an Artist Member of the Boston Chamber Music Society and has performed at major festivals worldwide including Caramoor, Ojai, Santa Fe, and Spoleto. Her extensive touring has taken her to premier venues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including Wigmore Hall, Salzburg Mozarteum, Vienna Konzerthaus, and Amsterdam Concertgebouw. She performs on a glorious 1722 Antonio Stradivarius violin known as the 'ex-Cadiz,' generously loaned through Rare Violins In Consortium.