Natalie Lee, Violin
Natalie Lee is a native of Michigan and started playing violin at the age of 4. Prior to joining the Naples Philharmonic, she was a concertmaster with the New World Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has also performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
In the summer, Natalie performs with the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. She has also participated in various festivals including the Pacific Music Festival, AIMS Graz, Spoleto Festival USA and the Aspen Music Festival and School. She also spent a summer performing as a member of Lincoln Center Stage onboard Holland America’s MS Oosterdam.
Natalie received a Master of Music from Rice University. She also holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Northwestern University. Her principal teachers include Kathleen Winkler, Stephen Majeske, David Halen, Shmuel Ashkenasi and Almita Vamos.
Outside of music, Natalie enjoys running, hiking and exploring new countries. She also holds a RYT-500 certification and enjoys practicing and teaching yoga.
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The facts:
I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I knew I wanted to become a musician after attending Interlochen Arts Camp in high school. It was the first time I was completely immersed in music and surrounded by people who were incredibly passionate about the arts. Everything about it was so energizing, and I knew from then on that I wanted to live and work in this field.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
A challenge about playing the violin is keeping up with the physical demands of playing, especially an asymmetrical instrument like the violin.
What are your favorite compositions?
My favorite compositions change from day to day, but some works that have strong emotional connections for me are Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony and Brahms’ First Symphony.
What have you been listening to recently?
Pink Martini, Piazzolla and a combination of pieces I am preparing.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
Nope! It was definitely a surprise to my family that I wanted to become a musician.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to read, bake and stay active with running and yoga.