Originally from Australia, Jennifer is now in her tenth season as Principal Second Violin of the Houston Symphony. She has also held the position of Principal First Violin of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, (Australia) and Associate Concertmaster of the Richardson Symphony (Texas). She has performed as soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra (New York City), and the Houston Symphony. As a chamber musician, Jennifer was a member of the Canberra String Quartet for five years, including two years as resident graduate quartet at the Hartt School, Connecticut, under the tutelage of the Emerson Quartet. She performed throughout Tasmania with the Virtuosi Tasmania Ensemble, and as a guest artist on faculty recitals at the Tasmanian Conservatorium. Most recently, she has appeared as guest artist on many faculty recital programs at Rice University and the University of Houston, and with Da Camera of Houston.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Without question, Dalmeny N.S.W. , Australia - about 5 hours south of Sydney. It is a tiny town in an incredibly beautiful and undeveloped coastal area. The weather is always mild, the beaches are always clean and pretty much deserted, and the cream buns and meat pies are to die for. AND my parents live there, so there is quality grandparent time, which translates into quality vacation time for me!

What are your favorite hobbies?
Cooking - when I have the time to prepare and eat (and drink) with leisure. And now swimming - I have been a member of the Masters swim program at the University of Houston since June 2009.

What is your favorite Houston destination?
With small children? Any number of playgrounds, spark parks, the zoo, the Arboretum..........without them, I am a big fan of Beavers Pub on Sawyer for great food, great cocktails, great beers, great beer garden - to be enjoyed with great friends. Also Catalan restaurant on Washington (did I mention I like food?)