Hometown: Chicago.

Education: Music Institute of Chicago, Cleveland Institute of Music, Juilliard.

Career: Three seasons playing first violin with the Detroit Symphony before joining Minnesota Orchestra in September 2008.

Outside gigs: New Music Detroit, a collective that puts on an annual 12-hour new-music marathon, and various chamber groups.

Boyfriend: Ian Ding, percussionist with the Detroit Symphony.

Favorite workout: Yoga.

Weakness: Handbags.

Favorite TV shows: "30 Rock," "The Office" and the British series "Spaced."

Now reading: "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho.

Last downloaded album: Regina Spektor.

Favorite recent concert: Andrew Bird at St. Mark's.

Favorite recent movies: "Up in the Air," "It's Complicated."

Favorite local shop: Len Druskin Outlet ("lots of 50 percent off").

Favorite restaurants: Lucia's, Zelo.

Tip for classical newbies: "Go to an 'Inside the Classics' concert with Sarah Hicks and Sam Bergman."

Next solo: Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," part of "Inside the Classics" on March 10-11.

KRISTIN TILLOTSON