Ruth Klein Cook

Native Pennsylvanian violinist Ruth Klein Cook has an active and diverse musical background that has taken her across much of the globe as chamber musician, orchestral member, and teacher. She was a founding member of the Whitestone Duo and Red River String Quartet (recipient of the Chamber Music America Rural Residency Grant in 2000) and toured with German guitarist Peter Ernst. Orchestral positions include the New Mexico Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and many others. Currently Ruth performs with the Perth Symphony Orchestra, Fremantle Chamber Orchestra and as Concertmaster for OperaBox.

She has held numerous teaching positions including Oklahoma Baptist University, as orchestral director of several high schools and middle schools in Albuquerque (New Mexico) Public Schools, and, currently, violin tutor at Perth Montessori and John Wollaston Anglican Community Schools. A longtime champion of contemporary music, she has commissioned and premiered works for student orchestras by up-and-coming composers Andy Rózsa and Jonathan Newmark. Ruth is a sought after string clinician for orchestra and solo festivals.

Ruth holds a teaching degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and Masters of Performance from The University of Oklahoma. Notable teachers include Felicia Moye (Miami String Quartet and SFSO), Shem Guibbory (Met Opera Orchestra and Steve Reich Ensemble), Paul Roby (Philadelphia Orchestra), Graham Norris and Margaret Blades (WASO).