Karen K. Madsen
Been
with the MSO since: 1999
(sub); 2000 (full-time)
Hometown: Northfield, MN
Education:
BS Music Education, Moorhead State University (Minnesota State), 1984
My day job: owner-String Solutions (string shop) &
private string lesson studio in Northfield & Mankato
Earliest
musical memory: Sitting in my room playing a toy piano like Schroeder
from the Peanuts – I think I was about 3 or 4
Favorite thing about performing music: In an orchestra,
each player contributes her part, but the result is so much beyond the
sum of the parts – it is a direct link to humanity.
Other instruments I play: all bowed strings, piano, oboe
The composition I would most like to perform: I’ve been
lucky enough to get to play all of my favorites during my career, but
I’d like another chance at Mahler’s 2nd Symphony
Best part about being an MSO musician: Being able to play in
a quality ensemble pretty close to home
What's
on my iPod or in my CD player: Today-Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique,
but pretty soon the Cds for the Minnesota High School Music Listening
Contest. I coach the Northfield teams & we’re planning to back to
state this year!
Other interesting facts(s): I’ve taught public school
for 16 years and I’ve taught private lessons in some form or another since
6 th grade. I’m also Rice County’s only Jedi Knight!