Violinist Simone Porter Unveils 'Ad Tendo': Crafting Musical Narratives and Reclaiming Attention in Classical Music
Simone Porter
Simone Porter’s journey as a violinist is as much about musical discovery as it is about staying true to her values in an increasingly distracted world. From her roots in Seattle, Washington, to her current home in New York City, Porter has emerged as one of the most captivating voices in classical music today. With an impressive career that started early, Porter is not only known for her remarkable technical skill but also for her deep artistic curiosity and desire to push the boundaries of what classical music can be.
Porter began playing the violin as a child and later honed her craft at the Colburn School in Los Angeles under the guidance of Robert Lipset. “Growing up at Colburn surrounded by so many incredible performances was a huge source of inspiration for me,” Porter shares. This environment not only fueled her love for the violin but also shaped her belief that the most valuable musical influences are the people she plays alongside every day. “I am constantly awed and wowed by my colleagues' ideas, passion, and dedication. That is definitely what makes me want to be better and discover more,” she says.
Porter’s big break came when she was just 18 years old, during what she describes as a life-changing year. It was then that she signed with Opus 3 Artists, performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and received an Avery Fisher Career Grant—all within six months. These milestones marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in her professional journey, opening doors to prestigious stages around the world.
Yet, amid her success, Porter emphasizes that her greatest moments on stage are often the simplest. Reflecting on a family concert she gave as a teenager, she recalls a moment when she caught sight of a child in the audience, beaming during the third movement of Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. “It reminded me that the sharing, the joy, the communication—that’s the point,” Porter says. For her, this experience redefined her purpose as a musician: “The minutiae of playing the violin are important insofar as they let you get there, but at the end of the day, it’s about what you’re able to communicate and share.”
This ethos also shapes Porter’s upcoming debut solo album, Ad Tendo, which will be released in spring. Inspired by philosopher Simone Weil’s concept that “absolutely unmixed attention is prayer,” Ad Tendo is a collection of solo violin works that explore the spiritual potential of focused attention. The album includes an eclectic mix of pieces, from the 12th-century mysticism of Hildegard von Bingen to modern works by Esa-Pekka Salonen and a commissioned piece by Reena Esmail. There’s even an arrangement of Burt Bacharach’s I Say a Little Prayer, showcasing Porter’s willingness to bring diverse influences into conversation. “Attention is such a sacred thing to claim,” Porter reflects, especially in an age where it is treated as a scarce resource. Through this album, she hopes to convey the healing power of devoted focus, inviting listeners to experience music as a profound form of connection and introspection.
This season, Porter’s schedule is filled with exciting engagements, including a recent performance with the Nashville Symphony where she performed Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 under the baton of Lydia Kanskova. “I love that concerto so much,” she shares, describing it as a piece she hadn’t performed in several years but holds dear for its emotional depth and complexity. Porter will also be revisiting classics like Beethoven and Mendelssohn while exploring newer repertoire such as Philip Glass’s violin concerto, which she first performed last season. The balance of old and new reflects her passion for variety, always pushing herself to learn and evolve as an artist.
In addition to her orchestral appearances, Porter is seeking more sustained artistic collaborations. She mentions her developing partnership with friends Blake Pouliot and pianist Shini Huang, with whom she has been performing recital programs. “Long-term partnerships that stretch over years, even decades, are something I’m striving for,” Porter says, emphasizing her love for the kind of growth that comes from consistently working with the same artists over time.
Porter is also passionate about championing new music and creating programs that are rooted in storytelling. She dreams of commissioning a violin concerto, an extension of her love for “unlocking” a new piece without the guide of tradition—just her and the score, exploring what the music demands. For Porter, this process is akin to learning a new language and is something she hopes to do more of in the orchestral space.
Looking ahead, Porter envisions a career that balances artistic fulfillment with personal impact. “I want to pass it forward,” she says, hinting at a potential future in teaching, inspired by her experience in masterclasses and residencies. Whether or not she takes up teaching full-time, her goal remains the same: to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the world of classical music.
When asked about how she wants to be remembered, Porter speaks of crafting narratives. “If I could be remembered for giving performances that feel like a campfire story, that would be phenomenal,” she says. Her approach to each piece—whether a beloved classic or a contemporary work—is to uncover its story and take the audience on that journey with her. “It’s about thinking of a performance as something dreamlike, as a narrative thread that runs through from beginning to end.”
Outside of music, Porter reveals a surprising talent: baking. “I have an insane sweet tooth,” she admits with a laugh, explaining that she’s become quite adept at making desserts to satisfy her cravings. This down-to-earth quality carries over into her approach to social media, where she mixes violin content with glimpses of her everyday life as a “20-something running around New York.” For Porter, authenticity is key—both on and off the stage.
Ultimately, Simone Porter’s definition of success has evolved over the years. Influenced by the transformative period of the pandemic, she now sees success not as a destination but as an ongoing pursuit of fulfillment. “Success is about service,” she explains, “both to the people around you and to your own desires.” For Porter, it’s about crafting a life that is meaningful, where the journey itself—always reaching, always aspiring—is the reward.
As she continues to grow and explore her artistry, Porter is carving out a space for herself that is authentic, impactful, and endlessly curious. With her passion for storytelling, her commitment to new music, and her dedication to reclaiming the sacredness of attention, she is not only redefining her role as a violinist but also inspiring others to listen more deeply and live more fully.
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