Robert McDuffie, violin

Robert is a Grammy-nominated violinist who enjoys a dynamic and multifaceted career. In addition to appearing as soloist with the world’s foremost orchestras on five continents, he has shared the stage with high-profile musicians such as Rolling Stones pianist Chuck Leavell, the late Gregg Allman, and actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith. Philip Glass dedicated his Second Violin Concerto, The American Four Seasons, to Robert and he has performed it more than 100 times around the world. Mike Mills of the rock band R.E.M. composed his Concerto for Violin, Rock Band, and Orchestra for him. Robert has an extensive discography, including his recently released recording, Icons, with pianist Elizabeth Pridgen. Also this season, he will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra on an east coast U.S. tour, which includes a performance at Carnegie Hall. Robert is the founder of the Rome Chamber Music Festival in Italy, where he was awarded the Premio Simpatia by the mayor of Rome and the Premio delle Muse in Florence. He is the founder of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University in his hometown of Macon, Georgia. He plays a 1735 Guarneri del Gesù violin, the “Ladenburg,” which is owned by a limited partnership formed by Robert. www.robertmcduffie.com.