An avid ensemble musician, violinist Caroline Joyner recently joined the ranks of the Louisville Orchestra. She has previously performed with the Billings, Kalamazoo, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras, as well as many freelance and chamber music ensembles throughout the Chicagoland area. She earned her Master’s degree in Violin Performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music in June 2022, where she studied with Blair Milton. In May 2020 she graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music / Case Western Reserve University dual-degree program, receiving BM’s in Violin Performance (studying under Joan Kwuon and Ivan Zenaty) and Music Theory, and a BA in German.
What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?
The wide variety of music we do. From Classics to Movies to Pops to our In Harmony Tour, every week is a different musical experience.
In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?
I think the free MWOB concerts have been a personal highlight of my time with the LO thusfar, and every audience has been beyond welcoming. Expanding our reach with even more free, full-orchestra concerts right here in our community would cement the value of what we do by bringing live music to as many Kentuckians as we can.
What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?
I love performing movie scores live with the film. When I was a kid my dream was to play in a recording orchestra for Hollywood movies, so I get to live out my childhood ambitions after all!
Who is your favorite composer or musician?
Michael Giacchino (film composer)
Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?
Opening night playing the Planets was such a rush. The crowd was so excited to hear us, and it really made me feel like I won the lottery with the job that I have.
What are some things that inspire you as a musician?
Teaching is so inspiring -- and so humbling. I remember and cherish the wonderful teachers I've had in my life, and the chance to have that impact on a young person is a responsibility I take very seriously. It is also a wonderful reminder of why music is so important, and how enriching it is.
What do you love most about being part of the Louisville community?
I love how friendly everyone is. Everyone always seems like they have time to stop and say hello, and I've never lived in a place this welcoming before.
What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?
In addition to my Violin Performance degrees, I also have degrees in Music Theory and German.
What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?
Reading, writing, playing tennis, and spoiling my cat, Sage.
How do you stay connected with the community outside of your performances?
I think it's important to get out of the music bubble every once in a while, and I've really enjoyed cheering for Louisville Racing, our NWSL team.
Favorite orchestral work?
Sibelius Symphony No. 5
What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?
Not a song but an album: Phosphorescent Blues by the Punch Brothers