Anthea Kreston
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Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist, available on Amazon.
“An indomitable spirit.” Yo-Yo Ma
“This Tale Sparkles.” Blair Tindall, author of Mozart in the Jungle
A funny and fierce memoir of a classical performer’s struggles, tragedies, and triumphs.
When American violinist Anthea Kreston is selected as the fourth member of Germany’s Artemis Quartet, it is the culmination of decades of dedication. In Crescendo, her enchanting and deeply personal memoir, Kreston writes about growing up in a well-to-do but difficult family in Chicago, leaving home at sixteen, studying at the ultracompetitive Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (Hilary Hahn was a classmate), then leaving it all behind for a commune in Oregon.
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Anthea is All Classical Radio’s 2026-2027 Artist in Residence.
“If you’ve had the chance to hear Anthea perform, you already know the magic she brings—thoughtful, expressive, and deeply connected to the music she plays. Whether she’s performing on stage, collaborating with fellow musicians, or exploring new creative ideas, she has a way of making classical music feel both intimate and alive. We’re so excited to welcome her into our community in this special role.”
Keep your eyes peeled for the weekly blog and podcast!
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I have been on stage since picking up a violin at age 2. From Tajikistan to Carnegie Hall, I have dug deep into all that a career as a classical musician can offer. Training at the Curtis Institute of Music, performing with Yo-Yo Ma, and as a member of Berlin’s Artemis String Quartet, I have travelled the world and continue to be amazed at all that life has to offer.
Crescendo - A Memoir in Music and Stories
a one-woman show based on my book