Eric Rynes has been hailed for his “intrepid,” “spellbinding,” and “achingly beautiful” performances in diverse styles and genres, from recitals of the “thorniest” new music (Seattle Weekly), to his work as concertmaster and concerto soloist with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, to evenings of authentic Argentine tango with the quartet Tangabrazo, to guest appearances with jazz and rock groups. Particularly known for his expertise in new music, having studied in Europe with Maryvonne Le Dizès (Ensemble Intercontemporain) and Irvine Arditti, he has premiered solo works in Berlin, Havana, Chicago, Barcelona, Rotterdam, and many other cities, often with live electronics. As a soloist, he has performed concertos by Brahms, Berg, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Barber, Beethoven, and Bartók. As an orchestral musician, Eric has performed under the batons of Barenboim, Boulez, Slatkin, and many others. As a sideman, he has performed with Sufjan Stevens and Rod Stewart; he has also served as concertmaster for performances by Natalie Cole, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Imogen Heap, and Alice in Chains. His solo album was praised in The Strad; he has recorded in numerous capacities and genres, performed over 200 wildly different chamber works, provided live and recorded music for plays by Chekhov and Ibsen, served on the violin faculty of Marrowstone Summer Music in Bellingham WA, adjudicated for competitions and grant proposals, and lectured on composing for the violin at universities stretching from Washington State and Montana to the U.K. He received his M.M. in violin and a graduate certificate in statistical genetics from the University of Washington, and degrees in physics from the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois.
Since moving to Seattle in 1996, Eric has made major musical contributions to the city and region, and has premiered works by Seattle composers for audiences in Europe and across the U.S. He also enjoys hosting visiting composers and performers.