Derek Powell is a versatile violinist and recording artist, as comfortable on-stage performing alternative styles as he is uncovering the subtleties of the great classical works. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Derek performs with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Before joining the National Symphony, Powell played with the U.S Army Strings, and previous to that, was a fellow in the New World Symphony, “America’s Orchestral Academy”, where he performed as concertmaster and soloist with many of today’s leading conductors including music director Michael Tilson Thomas. Powell was a fellowship recipient at the renowned Aspen Summer Music Festival and School and also studied at the Banff Summer Masterclass Program.
An experienced chamber musician, Powell has collaborated with concert artists Midori and pianist Christopher Taylor in concert and has also made multiple appearances with chamber groups at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Other ensembles Powell has performed with include the Verbier Chamber Orchestra, Thy Music Festival, and Steamboat Springs Music Festival.
Before concentrating his passions fully into music, Derek pursued his interest in the science of behavioral studies and earned a double degree in neurobiology and violin performance at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Derek studied with David Perry at the University of Wisconsin and completed his Masters degree at Rice University where he studied with Kathleen Winkler and was a recipient of the Shepherd School of Music Distinguished Fellowship in Violin.