Elise Meichels Parker

Violinist Elise Meichels Parker is assistant principal second violin of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and is an active part of the Twin Cities music scene. The Star Tribune has described her playing as “soulful,” while the Pioneer Press wrote “Elise Parker wrings pure beauty from her violin.”
Elise received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. From there she attended Rice University, earning a Master’s degree. Since 2010, Elise has been a teacher for the Augsburg University Suzuki Talent Education Program, a nationally and internationally recognized program, as well as adjunct faculty at Augsburg University since 2019.
She plays on a Gasparo da Salò composite violin, whose back and ribs were made in 1580 in Brescia, Italy. Da Salò is sometimes credited as the co-inventor of the modern violin.