Therese Bakker
Therese Bakker grew up in southern Arizona and was inspired to learn violin after hearing a TV broadcast of the great Jascha Heifetz. She’s never looked back and holds a violin performance degree from the University of Arizona, did graduate work at Indiana University and continued her early training in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She now makes her home in Denver where she has been an active freelance musician for decades including performing in shows at the Buell Theatre, playing with the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, playing in backup groups for many touring artists and occasionally subbing with the Colorado Symphony. She started playing with the Fort Collins Symphony in the early 90s, took a brief break in the early 2000s and was delighted to come back as a regular member several years ago. She recently took an early (very early) retirement from her “day job” and is looking forward to doing the Colorado hiking she has always bragged about to her out of state friends.
Get to know Therese
Where are you from?
How did you first get started playing?
Tucson, Arizona
I informed my parents I wanted to learn violin. They were surprised I even knew what a violin was.
What’s your favorite thing about playing your instrument?
You can always discover something new.
What do you like to do outside of music?
Time with family and friends.
Why is music important to you?
Music helps me understand the world, the value of teamwork and respect, the value of excellence.