Richard Rood (violinist)

Richard Rood (born 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American violinist, and is currently a leading member of the internationally acclaimed Orpheus Chamber Orchestra a well as a 1st violinist of the New York City Opera and the Associate Concertmaster of the Santa Fe Opera during the summer season. He was appointed membership with Orpheus after a history of regularly performing, touring, and recording with the group for 15 years. Currently he continues to hold important positions as a principal player with Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival and American Symphony. He is a member of the New York City Opera and American Ballet Theater orchestras, as well as the American Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in over 20 countries, appeared on over 75 recordings, and as a member of Orpheus, he has been awarded three Grammy Awards.

The New York Times praised him as "an especially fine young violinist", and the Newark Star-Ledger similarly raved that "he is worth his weight in gold". His recordings of concerti of Bach and Vivaldi have been critically acclaimed, as well as chamber recordings of Copland and Dvořák.

Career

Highlights of his career include his first solo TV appearance at the age of 12, solo Bach appearances in Geneva, Switzerland as a Swiss violin competition 1st prize winner at the age of 18, and performances as soloist in Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante at the Lincoln Center Mostly Mozart Festival.

Rood has held 1st violin positions with Steve Reich and Musicians, and the Music Today ensembles, performing over 100 premiers. He has also held positions in An Die Musik and the Omega ensembles performing residencies and tours throughout the United States. In addition he is a former principal player with Solisti New York, Philharmonia Virtuosi, and the New York Chamber Symphony (20 years). Having performed in over 20 countries he has been frequently sought after as a guest artist with Speculum Musicae, Eos, Da Capo, Harmonie, North Country, Houston Da Camera, and the American Chamber Ensembles.

In addition to being one of the most active and visible violinists in New York, Rood is on the faculty at Columbia University as an ajunct violin professor, as well as at the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, through the Orpheus Institute.

Rood is also active in the genre of jazz. With Orpheus, he recorded with Herbie Hancock, on the acclaimed album "Gershwin's World." He has also recorded on several occasions with jazz bassist John Patitucci, leading to three additional Grammy Award nominations. Richard has also performed with such contemporary jazz greats as Freddie Hubbard and Pat Metheny.

He received his Bachelor's degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and his principal teachers include Margaret Randall, Charles Castleman, and Raphael Bronstein.

Rood is married to violinist Denise Rood.