Orchestral Artists
From concertmasters to chamber musicians, these players rely on world-class strings and accessories to deliver the perfect tone and precision. Learn their stories, hear their music, and discover why they play with D’Addario.
Alexander Markov
Alexander Markov was born in Moscow and received awards from the Paganini International Violin Competition (gold medal) and the Avery Fisher Career Grant. He is known for his recording of Paganini's 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, particularly for his interpretation of the left-hand pizzicato section of the 24th Caprice.
Christian McBride
An eleven-time Grammy Award winner, Christian McBride is renowned for his powerful sound, virtuosic technique, and deep groove on both upright and electric bass. He has performed with legends including Herbie Hancock, Sting, and Sonny Rollins, while leading his own acclaimed ensembles and inspiring the next generation of musicians as an educator, curator, and advocate for jazz.
Bronwyn
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes has long been renowned as a prolific instrumentalist, earning two IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year awards as well as a Grammy for her work with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Bronwyn’s debut solo album I Built a World was released to great acclaim in 2024.
Violin Artists
Lindsey Stirling
Lindsey combines classical violin technique with contemporary styles, including EDM and classical crossover. Her live shows display a breathtaking fusion of music and dance. Her YouTube channel has more than 14 million subscribers.
Ching-Hsuan Wang
Taipei born violinist Dr. Ching-Hsuan Wang is a versatile violinist and music educator, who is also passionate about cross-cultural music experiences. She co-founded the cross-genre group Dynamix String Quartet and is a former member of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra.
Ross Holmes
Carnegie Hall and the Glastonbury festival, but Ross’s first introduction to the instrument was closer to home! Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Holmes was inspired by the fiddle playing of his grandfather and his younger sister, and this quickly piqued Ross’s interest to learn the instrument for himself.
Viola Artists
Masumi Per Rostad
Grammy Award-winning, Japanese Norwegian violist Masumi Per Rostad hails from the gritty East Village of 1980s New York. Masumi began his studies at the nearby Third Street Music School Settlement at age three and has gone on to become one of the most in demand soloists, chamber musicians and teachers.
Trevor New
Trevor has collaborated with renowned artists including Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Jon Batiste and Katy Perry. Trevor has premiered works that explore social issues and human experiences, and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.
Alison D'Souza
Alison is equally at home on the concert platform or at a rock festival! She performs at Glastonbury festival each year with her band The Little Unsaid and in 2024 she also played with Damon Albarn and Bombay Bicycle Club. Alison recently performed at The BBC Proms with Chineke! Orchestra and at Staatsoper Hamburg, for Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Masumi Per Rostad: Clarke Viola Sonata
Cello Artists
Alexis Descharmes
Alexis Descharmes runs his career like reading a book: chapter after chapter. Contemporary ensembles, Opera de Paris, Principal cello at Bordeaux, and now Quatuor Diotima… always on Kaplan!
Dana Leong
At the age of 16, Leong was invited to become the youngest professor of jazz at the Stanford University Summer Jazz Workshop. He still works with students aged 12-70 on the topics of creative improvisation and performance.
Monique Clare
Monique’s career highlights include performing onstage with Eminem, teaching cello in war-torn Afghanistan and leading hikers up mountains (with her cello on her back) for sunrise concerts. Her songwriting mirrors the classical training she grew up with, immersion in the traditional folk scene, and the influence of art-pop.
Double Bass Artists
AndrĂ©s MartĂn
AndrĂ©s MartĂn is the ultimate modern professional, working as a double bass player, composer and educator. He has also contributed to the musical community through his signature solo double bass, designed for Eastman Strings, which has reached players worldwide.
Missy Raines
A multi-time International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, Missy Raines has built a celebrated career as both a bandleader and collaborator, performing with artists such as Alison Krauss and Kenny Baker. Through her band Missy Raines & Allegheny and her work as an educator and mentor, she continues to shape and inspire the modern bluegrass community.
Jory Herman
In the LA Phil, Jory performs on a double bass made by Italian luthier Ludovico Rastelli in 1848 and French bow by modern Canadian bow maker Bernard Walke.
George Jackson’s Local Trio: Alhaji
Educators
Christian Howes
Christian Howes was voted #1 in the Downbeat Critics Poll (“Rising Stars/Violin”), named among the top three jazz violinists in the JazzTimes critics poll, and nominated for Violinist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association.
Kiana June Howley
Classically trained, fiddle fueled - In addition to 1:1 lessons and education programs, Kiana has featured on 4 Billboard World no.1 Albums with Gaelic Storm, graced stages worldwide as a special guest with Grammy award-winning artist, Carlos Nunez and originated the role of fiddle on the First National tour of Broadway’s hit Come From Away!
Daryl Silberman
Daryl is a professional violinist and violist, Orchestra Director at Scullen Middle School in Naperville, IL, and conductor for the Youth Symphony of DuPage. She mentors early career music teachers as a virtual coach for the Illinois Education Association and is a certified yoga instructor and a mindful educator.
What Artists are Saying
Monique Clare
"I appreciate D'Addario's attitude in reducing their environmental impact and creating a community of artists rather than just a product. I trust the company because they take feedback and keep conversations open with their artists and customers."
Lindsey Stirling
"D'Addario reeds are a great tool for pushing my sound to unexpected places. I'm constantly taking risks in my sound and music, with the assurance that these reeds consistently deliver the highest quality."
Yung-Ho Fu
"Kaplan strings have a powerful and bright tone, with pleasant and sweet characteristics. The tone is rich, and the bow response and overall balance is excellent. This is an outstanding product."