THSO names Erina Buchholz new concertmaster
Sep. 20—Erina Buchholz has been named the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra's new concertmaster for the 2023-24 season.
Buchholz served as principal second violin for the THSO for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. She replaces Elina Rubio, who earlier this summer moved on to the Minnesota Orchestra after two memorable years in Terre Haute.
"At our first rehearsal last night, she jumped right in the leadership role and gave the string section guidance," THSO Executive Director and principal clarinetist Samantha Johnson-Helms said Wednesday.
"She's been with us two years, so she was comfortable with us immediately, said Johnson-Helms. "As our new concertmaster, she brings a new energy that will be with us the whole season."
Buchholz admitted to some nervousness and excitement leading up to the Tuesday rehearsal.
"I wanted to know the entire score for the program beyond just the first violin part," she said. "Once I got onstage, I was not nervous at all. I'm so happy — it feels good to be so involved in the music making."
Buchholz first started playing at age 6, considering it a hobby — she sang a lot as a child, so her mother got her violin lessons (possibly to get her to quit singing, she said with a laugh).
In high school, she got more serious as she studied with new teachers and began to consider music as a profession.
Buchholz is currently pursuing a performer's diploma at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She earned her bachelor of music in violin performance from IU last year as a Herman B. Wells Scholar. She is currently studying at IU with Kevork Mardirossian. She auditioned for the concertmaster's position in July.
"It's really cool that she got in the position as such an early age," Johnson-Helms said of the performer, who is 23. "She's shown the authority of someone 10 years older."
In addition to her work with the THSO, Buchholz also serves as assistant concertmaster of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and section violinist with the Owensboro Symphony.
She was previously a member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. She was born and raised in Louisiana and is a dual citizen of Japan and the United States.
"Erina is a passionate artist, a superb violinist, and an outstanding orchestra leader," said David Bowden, THSO artistic director and conductor. "We are proud to have her be our new concertmaster."
Buchholz will make her debut as concertmaster Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Tilson Auditorium during the concert "Petersen Plays Grieg," which features guest pianist Drew Petersen.
David Kronke can be reached at 812-231-4232 or at david.kronke@tribstar.com.
