Carolyn Semes is a distinguished orchestral and solo musician whose career has taken her to some of the world's most celebrated concert halls and music festivals. She joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2023 as a member of the second violin section and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Juilliard School. Prior to her appointment with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Carolyn was a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Since joining the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, she has performed extensively with the orchestra throughout the United States and Europe, appearing on prestigious stages including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Konzerthaus in Vienna, as well as at renowned international festivals including the Lucerne and Salzburg Festivals. Her international performing experience extends beyond Europe to Asia, with performances in Shanghai with the Shanghai Philharmonic, as well as in Macau and Hong Kong.
Carolyn's summers have been equally rich in musical experiences. She has performed at some of the most prestigious summer music institutions, including the Aspen Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Tanglewood Music Center, and Spoleto Festival USA, in addition to the Verbier Festival Orchestra. She is currently a member of the Grand Teton Music Festival, where she performs in Jackson Hole every summer.
Beyond the concert stage, Carolyn is an avid distance runner. She has completed numerous half marathons and full marathons, embracing the discipline, perseverance, and sense of purpose that characterize both her musical and personal pursuits.
Through her performances across three continents and her experiences with leading orchestras, conservatories, and festivals, Carolyn continues to build a career distinguished by artistic excellence, versatility, and a deep commitment to the orchestral tradition.
