Hailed as an “Impeccable cellist” by Montreal’s La Presse, “A superb cellist” by the Syracuse Post-Standard, and an “unquestionable and robust talent” by the Giornale di Brescia, Elinor Frey’s recent accolades include the 2009/10 Fulbright Grant to Italy, as well as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research (SSHRC) Canada Graduate Scholarship, and a Canada Council for the Arts grant facilitating her work on Italian baroque and modern unaccompanied cello music. Recognized for presenting dynamic and personal performances for her audiences, the 2010-11 seasons will bring Elinor to both North America and Europe, such as performing Bernstein’s “Three Meditations” with the Grand Junction Symphony, Colorado, Schumann Cello Concerto with the Rogue Valley Symphony in Ashland, Oregon, recitals and master classes at Istanbul Tecnhical University, Turkey, and, as a baroque cellist, concerts with Ensemble Caprice and Ensemble Masques.
Elinor’s recent appearances have included unaccompanied cello recitals and master classes at the American Academy in Rome, Cornell University, Dartmouth University, Bowdoin College, Mesa State University, and Ithaca College. Passionate advocate of new music, Elinor is currently cellist of Ensemble KORE in Montreal, Quebec and her debut album, Dialoghi, was released in 2008 on the Yarlung Records label. Through generous grants from supporters, Elinor plays on a beautiful 1962 Mario Gadda cello, an un-named Klengenthal-style baroque cello from the mid-18th century, a Louis Begin baroque bow, and a superb Charles Espey modern bow which she recently commissioned.
Currently Doctor of Music candidate at McGill University, where she is also a course instructor, Elinor studies baroque cello with Paolo Beschi in Como, Italy, and in Montreal with Susie Napper, as well as modern cello with Matt Haimovtiz. She received a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School and a B.M. from the Mannes College of Music. Elinor has served on numerous faculties including the Ithaca College Summer Chamber Music Institute, CAMMAC Ontario, the Ithaca Suzuki Institute, and Orvieto Musica in Italy.
