DEARBORN – Rachel Harding Klaus, first violinist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, recently charmed visitors at Oakwood Common’s senior living community with her musical talents and personal story.
Klaus is one of several DSO musicians who perform at Oakwood Common and other Beaumont campuses throughout the year as part of Beaumont Arts for the Spirit program.
Born in Chicago, Klaus shared that she was only 2 years old when her musically talented family moved to Troy. From a young age, she played violin in church where her father was a pastor.
Her love for chamber music was developed when the Harding Piano Trio was formed with her twin sister playing piano and younger sister on cello. They performed at venues throughout the country, winning prizes in chamber competitions.
At Oakwood Common, Klaus quickly captivated her audience with an opening violin solo, “Meditation,” from the opera “Thais.” She also played a Bach fugue, partita and sonata, along with a sonata by Eugene Ysaye, a Belgian violinist and composer. She demonstrated how Ysaye incorporated some of the elements of Bach’s music into his violin solo compositions.
During the performance, the audience was also invited to ask Klaus questions about her violin, music training which included the Cleveland Institute of Music, and schedule of performances at the DSO which she joined in 2012.
Guest Karen Crawford of Detroit shared her reasons for attending Klaus’ performance.
“I’m a singer, and my mother played five instruments, so I enjoy singing and listening to all types of music,” said Crawford.
“The DSO is very grateful to Beaumont Health for the funding they provide that helps us bring our music into the community,” said Laura Duda, community engagement manager for the DSO. “It’s a role that our musicians truly enjoy.”