A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Eleanor Edwards began her studies on the violin at the age of three. Currently a student of Rufina Yefimova (M.A. Moscow Conservatory), Eleanor has achieved major success in performances and competitions, including First Prize honors at the Duquesne University Young Artist National Competition at the age of eight. Other achievements include solo recitals at Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, Rodef Shalom Congregation, and other Pittsburgh-area venues.
Eleanor has received masterclasses and extensive private lessons from Lewis Kaplan, Professor of Violin at The Juilliard School (USA), and was selected as part of a small cohort of students to experience masterclasses led by Midori Gotō and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Duquesne University.
Eleanor is passionate about community outreach and civil service, and developed sensory-friendly engagement initiatives for children and caregivers through the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Trying Together. This ongoing partnership aims to provide creative and accessible explorations of instruments through hands-on instruction, with the ultimate aim of empowering the next generation of young performers. In addition to her musical pursuits, Eleanor is an American Red Cross-certified senior lifeguard through the Allegheny County Parks Department, and enjoys volunteering, ice skating, painting, and drawing.
She plays on a violin by Andreas Borelli, made in Parma, Italy in 1786.
