Grammy Award nominee Karen Elaine Bakunin is a viola soloist and recording artist of extraordinary talent. The Los Angeles Times describes her as "…the soloist to bring the viola out of obscurity." She fulfills this prophecy with exuberant interpretations of the standard literature along with considerable new and exciting repertoire written especially for her. Her performances feature a large and varied repertoire for symphony orchestra, string orchestra, and recitals. Her energetic and dynamic performances are a joy to behold.
 Karen Elaine Bakunin has recorded on the Delos, Harmonia Mundi, Laurel, R-Kal, Fleur de Son, and Tzadik record labels. Her recording of the 'Lyric Fantasies' by Norman Dello Joio with the London Sinfonia, received nomination for a Grammy Music Award in 1992. In addition to the London Sinfonia she has recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfonica da Paraiba, and the Moraska Philharmonie. Currently Ms. Bakunin is recording a new project for solo viola and trumpet which will include works by David Baker, Ron Carter, Patrice Rushen, Billy Childs and Duke Ellington.
Awards for Karen Elaine Bakunin in her formative years include Bruno Giuranna International Viola Competition, Rio Hondo Symphony Young Artists' Competetion, Marina Del Rey Symphony Young Artists Competition, Southeast Los Angeles Symphony Young Artists Competition, National Association of Negro Musicians Young Artists Competition, and La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Young Artists Competition.
In addition to her solo and recital appearances, Ms. Bakunin is active in chamber music, orchestral performance, a valued member in the Motion Picture and Record Industry, and a guest artist at music festivals and seminars worldwide.
As a graduate of The Curtis Institute and the University of California, Ms. Bakunin regularly repays the educational system with her position as Adjunct Professor of Viola Performance at San Diego State University and private viola/violin instructor in the Los Angeles area. Her students have distinguished themselves as scholarship recipients at the New England Conservatory, Peabody Music Conservatory, Harod School, UCLA and Northwestern University.
The Critics Agree!
…..fluid, assured line...Elaine propelled her solo lines with sweet tone and drive appropriate to the work's panache...Elaine's arrangement of Paganini's Caprice #24, Opus 1 made a laudable case for using viola instead of violin as the Caprice's solo instrument, and emerged as [an] impressive technical
showpiece for the soloist...Elaine displayed a warm timbre and fluent sense of Baroque style...
Los Angeles Times
Violist Karen Elaine brought...finesse and warmth to her solo vehicle...
Los Angeles Times, San Diego Edition.
…Elaine made a lyrical and romantic interpretation of the Concerpiece by
David Baker as the sound rose and fell like waves crashing against the
shore...Elaine played as if the composition flowed from within her...the viola soared above.
Harold Times, Bloomington, Indiana.
…a beautiful work for viola and strings by Dello Joio…Karen Elaine Bakunin is the vibrant soloist…
Turok's Choice: The Insiders Review of New Classical Recordings.
…a gifted Violist poised for success…
Indiana University Press
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