Catherine Leonard to Step Down as Camerata Pacifica’s Principal Violin

“Camerata Pacifica has been a most important feature of my life, professionally and personally, for most of the past decade,” said Ms. Leonard. “I treasure the time I have spent here, the musical memories and the friendships made but now, simply, it’s time to spend more time at home.”

Artistic Director Adrian Spence said, “I cannot say anything other that I we are all extremely saddened by this news. Catherine and Warren Jones were the first ‘core’ musicians engaged when the Camerata was reformulated and her violin sound became the basis of our string trio. Her sensibility, phrasing and color palette, quite literally, set the tone for the group. While there are many wonderful violin players Catherine will, also quite literally, be irreplaceable. However, the Camerata door will always be open to her. I can’t imagine her ever being fully removed from the group and I look forward to inviting her back on occasion. We wish her the best of everything.”

Catherine’s next appearances with Camerata Pacifica will be February 7 – 12, when she will be featured in Ravel’s Violin Sonata and Mendelssohn’s D minor Piano Trio. Her ‘farewell’ performances will be May 16 – 21.

Tickets for the concerts, as well as additional information on Camerata Pacifica can be found at www.cameratapacifica.org or by calling 805-884-8410.