Liz Knowles
Liz Knowles (violin) participated in the orchestras from 1983-1989. After graduating high school, Knowles attend SUNY Stony Brook to study Violin Performance and Music. She has juxtaposed her love for classical violin with her passion for Irish fiddle in many ensembles and prestigious venues across the world. After performing in Riverdance and as a soloist in the film Michael Collins, Knowles has established herself as a wonderful violinist, playing for the New York Pops and Cincinnati Pops. In addition, she is a former member of Cherish the Ladies and continues to play in String Sisters, touring all over the world, distinguishing herself as a professional musician, teacher, and composer.
Liz also produces all of her own music, including the music of her trio Open the Door for Three. She recently completed co-producing an album with Liz Carroll for the Art Institute of Chicago for their exhibition "Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690-1840."
Finally, Liz is also a sought-after teach of the violin and fiddle, teaching at Catskills Irish Arts Week, the Swannanoa Gathering, the O'Flaherty Irish Weekend, and has taught at many Irish piping festivals and workshops across the US and in Ireland.
"One of my first memories of sublime happiness and overwhelming emotion from music came from a first reading of Barber's Adagio for Strings in CKYO. I loved the repertoire we were exposed to and I look back now and would say that this was my first exposure to professional musical direction by various conductors...I have never forgotten that moment of playing the Adagio for Strings for the first time and that incredible experience of being a part of something so much bigger than me, inside of that beautiful music. It is something I search for in every musical experience I have today."