Kim Souther will kick off the spring 2022 Music Faculty Artist Series on Friday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Martin Chapel. She will present original cello works, as well as alternative style music and pedal effect improvisations. Old time quartet The Rain Pickers, which features mandolin player Perry Blosser ’18 will join for some fun old time jamming and musical creativity.
Souther directs the Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music program at Eastern Mennonite University, and is on faculty as a music instructor and specialist in music education.
The concert will also be available via livestream on the Eastern Mennonite University Music Program Facebook page.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Souther received her bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University and a master’s degree in music education from Shenandoah University. She is currently a doctoral student in orchestral conducting at James Madison University.
She has performed with the Williamsburg Sinfonia, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Peninsula Players Theater, Northern Lights Theater, Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, Weidner Philharmonic, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Manitowoc Symphony, and Oshkosh Symphony. Souther also has a rigorous orchestral conducting schedule, directing many musicals, operas, and orchestras. She is the conductor of the Nelson County Community Orchestra and enjoys guest conducting university, youth, and regional orchestras whenever possible.
Souther is known for her genre-bending and alternative string playing on the cello. She specializes in multi-style performances using her six string electric cello, and has performed with Tran-Siberian Orchestra and genre-fusion rock orchestra, Symphony on the Rocks. Her love for world music and collaboration has led to performances with musicians from many different countries. She has participated in projects with the Silk Road Ensemble, Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, Mark Wood, Michael Bolton, Rushad Eggleston, Mike Block, Yo Yo Ma and many others.