At the Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) we have a passion
for classical music. And while our music camp programs are designed to
cultivate the performance skills of the young instrumentalist, we also
place great value in educating our students about their predecessors.
This includes the greats from Beethoven to Rachmaninov, but also the
musicians that are trailblazers in today’s world of classical music. In
celebration of the classical artists of our time, PIMF is proud to
highlight the achievements of the outstanding women below.
Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin, The Philadelphia Orchestra
Kimberly Fisher began her studies at the young age of three when her father, Larry Fisher, also a violinist, introduced her to the violin. Kimberly became the youngest member of the Victoria Symphony at the age of 16, and, after studying at the Curtis Institute of Music – where she was Concertmistress – joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1992, serving as Principal Second Violinist since 2002. As a chamber musician, soloist, and principal player, Kimberly has traveled around the world performing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Mogador Theater in Paris, The Kimmel Center, and The Great Hall – just to name a few.
Ms. Fisher is not only an outstanding classical musician, but she is enthusiastic about music education, which is why she co-founded PIMF’s summer music programs with Sandy Marcucci in 1997. PIMF quickly grew from a stings-only day camp to a full symphonic festival that now includes
nearly 50 members of the world-renown Philadelphia Orchestra on faculty. PIMF annually hosts over 350 young musicians from throughout the U.S. and around the world in its music programs in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and Miami, Florida.
Trina Struble, Principal Harp, The Cleveland Orchestra
Trina Struble, also a violinist, has been with The Cleveland Orchestra since 1992 when she won the position of Assistant Principal Harp. In 2007, Trina landed the coveted role of Principal Harp where she continues to excel. Before joining The Cleveland Orchestra, Trina was a principal harp and violinist with the National Repertory Orchestra in Colorado, as well as a soloist with many notable symphonies and orchestras throughout North America.
Trina decided to make Cleveland her home while obtaining her Master’s of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She enjoyes passing on her love of classical music by teaching master classed and private lessons.
Naoko Shimizu, Principal Viola, The Berlin Philharmonic
Naoko Shimizu began as a violinist, but switched to the viola while
studying in Japan at the Toho Gauken College of Music. As a student of Nobuo Okada, Naoko moved to Germany in 1994 to continue her training at Detmold Musikakademie. Shortly after moving to Germany Naoko began receiving invitations to perform in festivals, solo performances, and recitals around the world. She has played with the likes of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Budapest Stings, and at the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival.
Christine Pendrill
Principal Cor Anglais (English Horn), The London Symphony Orchestra
Christine Pendrill has been a principal with The London Symphony Orchestra since 1986. Prior to her lengthy tenure with The London Symphony Orchestra, Christine spent six years as a principal with The New Philharmonia Orchestra in Massachusetts. Ms. Pendrill has toured extensively around the world, and has had the honor of recording many famous English Horn solos. In 1996 she had the great honor of playing the world premiere of The World’s Ransoming solo that was written for her by James MacMillian. She is known for playing only on her coveted 1969 Howarth S2 Cor Anglais.
These outstanding women , among many others, are the inspiration for many young performers who travel from throughout the globe to participate in the Philadelphia International Music Festival’s summer music programs. Who knows what future music greats are studying among us now!
