Associate Concertmaster (Louis P. Ciminelli Family Foundation Endowed Chair)
Amy Glidden serves as the associate concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Praised by the Buffalo News for her “keen rhythmic acuity, consistently fine tone, and an innate sense of phrasing,” Amy has performed on stages throughout Western New York. A native of Wichita, Kansas, Amy attended the University of Kansas, where she received a B.A. in Biology as well as a B.M. in Violin Performance. Subsequently, she received a Master of Violin Performance degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Amy’s past appointments include concertmaster of Opera Saratoga, concertmaster of the Mendocino Music Festival, assistant concertmaster of the Marin Symphony, and acting concertmaster of the Mansfield Symphony. She currently holds the position of assistant principal second violin in the Sun Valley Music Festival and has performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival orchestra. As a chamber musician, Amy performs regularly with the East Aurora Chamber Music Festival and the Buffalo Chamber Players.
Amy has often performed as a soloist with the BPO, as well as solo engagements with the Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, the Amherst Symphony, the Buffalo State Philharmonia, the Cheektowaga Symphony, and the Orchard Park Symphony. She is the founding violin instructor at Buffalo State University and performed at the dedication of Buffalo State's Ciminelli Recital Hall. In addition, Amy maintains an active home studio and has given masterclasses both nationally and throughout the local area.
Although she grew up in Kansas, Amy has embraced Buffalo as her home and loving community. She learned to downhill ski with her daughter, Hannah, and she enjoys cross-country skiing and hiking. Amy is a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Diversity Council and serves on the board of the East Aurora Chamber Music Festival. She is a past board member of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra and frequently coaches youth ensembles as a Buffalo Philharmonic teaching artist. Amy loves the artistic culture and community spirit of the Buffalo area and is proud to contribute in her career with the Buffalo Philharmonic.