Laura Roelofs Park worked with the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela (now known as El Sistema), where she helped develop a student orchestra in Ciudad Bolivar.
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Laura Roelofs Park biography
Early life and education
Laura Roelofs Park holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, where she studied under Roman Totenberg. Laura also earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in music from Catholic University in Washington, studying with Robert Gerle.
Musical career
With over 50 years of experience playing the violin, Laura has established herself as a prominent figure in the music community. She was the Assistant Concertmaster for the Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT). During her time there, she had numerous memorable experiences, including her favorite moment performing an on-stage role in Handel’s “Giulio Cesare” alongside world-class countertenor David Daniels.
Laura was previously the Associate Concertmaster of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra for fourteen seasons. She is a founding member of the Oberon String Quartet and has performed in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the United States. Additionally, she was a member of the Atlanta Chamber Players and has served on the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as being an Artist-Teacher of Violin and Viola at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
International experience
Laura’s professional journey began in Venezuela, where she worked as a resident artist and instructor with the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, now known as El Sistema. She played a vital role in developing a student orchestra in Ciudad Bolivar, and her commitment to music education resonates with the founder’s idealism of making musical training accessible to all.
Current role
Laura is currently the Associate Professor of Violin and coordinator of the string performance area at Wayne State University. She maintains an active performance schedule, described by critics as a brilliant and intensely expressive performer. She has also been featured as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony and the Richmond Symphony, among others. Notably, she performed as the violinist for the Barcelona Ballet’s production of “Swan Lake”.