All About Aaron Beraki Violinist

Eritrean American violinist Aaron Beraki is currently a junior at Kennesaw State University pursuing his Bachelor's degree in violin performance under the tutelage of Helen Kim as a John and Linda Cooke Scholarship recipient. While at KSU, he has served as concertmaster of the KSU Symphony as well as has the opportunity to study in depth chamber music repertoire through the Cooke Quartet Program. During his sophomore year, he was personally invited by the director of the Bailey School of Music to perform alongside faculty in a special chamber music concert highlighting works by Latin American composers in celebrating Hispanic Heritage month. Aaron has been accepted to and attended various prestigious summer music festivals on scholarship including the Brevard Music Festival, the Sewanee Music Festival, and the Emerald Coast Chamber Music Institute. He has performed in all different kinds of concert venues from local ones such as Morgan Concert Hall and Emerson Hall to more prestigious concert stages such as Carnegie Hall. He has performed with notable artists such as violists Roberto Diaz and Matthew Lipman, pianist Jeremy Denk, conductors JohAnn Falletta and Keith Lockhart, and violinists Simone Porter and Chad Hoopes. He is the recipient of multiple awards and accolades including the Catherine R. Hudnall Music Scholarship, being named an ArtsKSU Gala Scholar, as well as being a finalist in the Georgia Governor's Honors Program in the category of music. Aaron began the violin at the age of twelve through the public school system. Prior to college, he regularly participated in youth orchestras such as the Emory Youth Symphony, the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony, and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony where he served as concertmaster. His principal teachers include Eric Toomsen, Eileen Drew, and Charissa Leung, with additional studies from Lin He, Francesca Anderegg, Caroline Chin, Stephen Miahky, and Timothy Lees. In addition, he has played for acclaimed musicians such as the Pacifica Quartet, David Coucheron, and Gabriel Richard. Aaron currently plays on a 19th century Bohemian violin on personal loan from a generous donor. Outside of music, Aaron enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and cooking.