Violinist James Ehnes Joins Jacobs School of Music Faculty

The GRAMMY Award-winner will begin his tenure as a violin professor at the school from August 2024

Violinist and violist James Ehnes will join the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music faculty as a professor of practice in violin as of August 1, 2024.

A renowned artist, Ehnes performs internationally as a concert soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. He is also a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba; a Royal Society of Canada fellow; and an honorary fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, where he is a visiting professor.

“Violin at the Jacobs School of Music has an astonishing history of excellence, with faculty such as Josef Gingold, Jorja Fleezanis, and Mauricio Fuks, and alumni including Joshua Bell and Noah Bendix-Balgley,” said Abra Bush, the school dean. 

“We enthusiastically welcome violinist James Ehnes into that tradition and look forward to his impact on the Jacobs students and our school well into the future.”

Throughout this season, Ehnes continues as artist-in-residence with the National Arts Centre of Canada and artistic partner with Artis–Naples; his performances include those with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.

The winner of two GRAMMYs, three Gramophone Awards, and 11 Juno Awards, Ehnes was also named Artist of the Year in the 2021 Gramophone Awards, which celebrated his online 2020 series “Recitals from Home,” released in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of concert halls. 

Additionally, he leads the Ehnes Quartet and has been the artistic director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society since 2012. 

“The Strings Department is thrilled to welcome world-class violinist James Ehnes to our faculty,” said Simin Ganatra, chair of the department. “His extraordinary gifts as one of today’s most celebrated players will bring a wonderful musical perspective to our students as well as to the greater community.”

“I’m thrilled to announce that I will be joining the faculty of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music!” Ehnes posted on Facebook. “I’m deeply honored to be involved with this legendary institution, and look forward to adding my insights and experience to its rich traditions. Space in my class will be extremely limited. Please contact the Jacobs School of Music for more information at [email protected].”