bIOGRAPHY

"He’s a confident and amazingly gifted performer biting off works of immense complexity..." -Paul Hertelendy, Arts San Francisco

Robert H. Simonds has had a multifaceted career as a violinist, arts leader, and consultant. In 2021, Rob stepped down as Principal Second Violinist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra to pursue a Master in Public Administration degree at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Rob’s most recent recording is a set of solo violin variations on The Star Spangled Banner written for him by composer Michael Markowski. In addition to working with leading composers, Rob has collaborated with diverse artists such as Rhiannon Giddens, Lizzie No, Joe Pug, Ben Sollee, The Low Anthem, My Morning Jacket, and Alabama Shakes.

For seven years, Rob was principal second violin of the Louisville Orchestra. He began his professional orchestral career with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra followed by a longtime position with The Phoenix Symphony. He has also performed with the orchestras of Minnesota, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, and Virginia.

He believes that the arts can be a powerful tool for economic development, education, social cohesion, and placemaking. Rob’s writing on these topics have been featured in CommonWealth Magazine, the Louisville Courier Journal, and the San Antonio Express News.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Rob began the violin at a young age, first studying with his grandmother. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, he earned two degrees in violin performance, studying with Dr. Won-Bin Yim, for whom he served as graduate teaching assistant, and also with Dorothy Delay. His violin is from Reggio Emilia in northern Italy, made by Mario Bedocchi in 1927.

“Robert Simonds played Dissolve, but instead of exploring how one chord led to the next and fit into the overall form, he presented them as blunt objects of sound. With that attitude, the music is gripping,” -George Grella, New York Classical Review