Electric Violin
Born in Underhill, VT

Born in Vermont and received classical training and degrees in violin performance from Boston University (Bachelor degree) and Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (Masters degree). Orchestral jobs include the New Mexico Symphony, the Santa Fe Symphony and Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, NY., the Virginia Symphony and Virginia Opera and is a founding member of the Harbor String Quartet. She had a post-undergraduate residency at Walt Disney World All American College Orchestra where performances included work with film composers such as Morton Stevens and Johnny Green to The Captain and Tenille and Richard Carpenter. Allegra is a frequent performer with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and with artists such as Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson and Sarah Brightman. Allegra is also a first-call musician for touring Broadway shows.

Allegra's non-classical pursuits are quite recent. Jazz studies with John Toomey, former pianist with Maynard Ferguson and the Mark O'Connor's fiddle seminars in San Diego working with such players as Natalie MacMaster, Darol Anger, Matt Glaser, Paul Anastasio and Mark Wood.


What equipment/instruments do you use?
"I play a 5 string custom Viper Electric Violin made by Mark Wood. The violin is connected wirelessly (using the Shure SLX system) to a Line-6 Pod. As with all of Mark Wood's Vipers, the instrument is strapped around the player rather than held under the chin. This allows freedom of movement. The fingerboard has inlaid frets that are not raised or tactile but are visual only. "

Who are some of your musical influences:
"Hmmm....violinist Pinchas Zuckerman when I was a child. When I became older, I was inspired by my friends and colleagues whom I worked with, many who are outstanding performers and conductors. In particular conductor Stewart Robertson of Glimmerglass Opera in NY and violinist Debra Fong in San Francisco, CA."

Tell us about "The Music of Led Zeppelin" show and how it impacts you:
"I enjoy the Led Zeppelin shows because of the marriage between the symphony orchestra and the rock band. The classically trained electric violinist is the key to the idea of a "rock symphony": classical orchestral players meeting classic rock music. The electric violin is also becoming a more integral and prominent instrument in rock music today. The Dave Matthews Band is an example of the violin being used in a melodic dimension, like the guitar."

 What's on your IPod?:
"IPod has kids music on it. If I did have my own music I listened to, it would have on it: Countertenor phenomenon David Daniels, Van Halen, Mark O'connor and Friends, Virginia Coalition, and Mozart operas. Maybe a little Def Lepperd thrown in too..."