Performer Biography

Rowena Bakke is a senior undergraduate student at the Cleveland Institute of Music pursuing her bachelor’s degree in cello performance. She currently studies with Richard Weiss and has previously studied with Dr. Melissa Kraut and Richard Hirschl. She has played in numerous ensembles including principal cellist in the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra and principal in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. She has also subbed for Akron Symphony Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Rowena has placed at competitions including 2nd place at Tennessee Cello Workshop Competition, 3rd place in M-Prize national chamber music competition, and 2nd place in WDAV’s Young Chamber Music Competition. She has participated in music festivals including the Bowdoin Music Festival, Chicago Music Festival, and Castleman Quartet Program. Rowena has also played in masterclasses for Lynn Harrell, Hans Jensen, and Wei Yu. Outside of music, she enjoys playing board games with her four siblings and reading.