Instrument/Department: Cello, Ensembles
Joined Hochstein Faculty in: 1980
Kathleen Murphy Kemp has served on the Hochstein faculty as cello instructor and chamber music coach since 1980. As a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master’s degree in Performance and Literature, as well as the Performer’s Certificate.
She was Assistant Principal Cello of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra starting in 1977and retired after 50 years. She also served on the faculty of the Eastman Community School and collegiate faculty as Assistant Professor of Orchestra Studies and Coordinator of the Orchestra Studies Diploma Program. She also supervised secondary cello teachers at Eastman.
She has participated in the Chamber Music Rochester series, Roycroft Chamber Music Festival, Skaneateles Festival, Fortissismo Festival, and Academy of Medicine Salon Concerts, as well as Aspen Music Festival, Sarasota Festivals, and Music Academy of the West where she was a concerto winner.
As a strong advocate for music education, Kathleen served more than 10 years on the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Board and during her tenure developed the RPYO Mentor. She is also the co-founder of the chamber music program at the Hochstein School – a program for beginning through advanced young musicians with an interest in learning the art of chamber music playing.
Kathleen devotes much of her time to educational volunteerism and has been honored with the RPO Volunteer Recognition Award, Philharmonic League Fanfare Ward for Education, and RPO Special Educator award. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda and was awarded Musician of the Year by Mu Phi Epsilon.
More About Kathleen Kemp
Hometown: Auburn, NY
What inspires me: The love of my family and friends.
Why the arts matter: Our souls and humanity are fed by the arts. We need them more than ever.
Favorite things to do in the Rochester area: Museums and parks.
When I'm not at Hochstein, you can find me: At the RPO, home, or with granddaughter, Cady!
My favorite local restaurant: No favorite - hardly have a chance to dine out. My chef, Randy, cooks great meals for me.
Favorite places to travel: Maine, Ireland, Adirondacks.
Favorite style of music: Classical.
What people would be surprised to know about me: I used to play trombone in marching band and ran cross-country.
Family: Married to Randy Kemp, facilities director of The Hochstein School, and proud mom to Megan Kemp (violin teacher and performer) and her husband Jason Barth and Michael Kemp (professional percussionist and timpanist).