New Zealand cellist Karen French initially studied piano, beginning cello aged 8. She studied with David Chickering (principal, NZSO) whilst at school and later with Edith Salzmann at Canterbury University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2008. Karen then moved to Germany for postgraduate studies with Mario de Secondi at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik, Trossingen.
Karen’s orchestral experience includes playing with the Christchurch Symphony, the NZSO National Youth Orchestra as principal cello last year, the Trossingen Hochschule Orchester and Wellington and Christchurch Youth Orchestras. Enjoying working in small ensembles, she has played at the International Horn Symposium at Trossingen as principal cellist, in the opera Hansel & Gretel as co-principal cello in Villingen and in a string quartet led by Eckhard Fischer at the 2010 Akaroa International Music Festival.
Karen is grateful for support received during her studies and for sponsorship of her new Hinsberger cello.
In her spare time, Karen searches for a decent cup of coffee, enjoys a glass of fine wine and tries to maintain contact with friends, family, and a few possessions spread across the world.
