Agnes Simkens is an active performing violinist and teaching artist in the NY/NJ area. Belgian born, Agnes is equally at home on traditional and Baroque violin. She has performed in concert halls throughout Europe and the United States.
A specialist in historical performance, Agnes is co-founder of Biber Baroque. This NY based ensemble performs the masterpieces of the Baroque era on original period instruments. Other performance highlights in this genre include Dresdner Instrumental-Concert in Germany, Rebel in NY, La Fiocco, Opera Lafayette, American Classical Orchestra, Ars Lyrica Houston, Bach Society Houston and Texas Bach Choir of San Antonio.
As a performer on traditional violin, Agnes has performed with many fine orchestras and chamber ensembles. She held a position in the violin section of La Orquesta Filharmonica de Gran Canaria, Spain following a successful European audition. Agnes also held the position of Concertmaster in the Abeline Philharmonic Orchestra in Texas by the appointment of the music director. Other orchestral performances include Koninklijk Filharmonisch Orkest van Vlaanderen and Vlaamse Opera both of Belgium and the Princeton Symphony in NJ. As a soloist and chamber musician, Agnes has collaborated on several programs with pianist Jerico Vasquez.
Agnes holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Houston and a Master of Music degree from Yale University. Principal teachers include Erick Friedman and Emanuel Borok.
