Viola
Gwen Laster is an internationally acclaimed musician. A recipient of the
National Endowment for the Arts, Jubilation foundation, Puffin foundation,
MPower Sphinx, Arts Mid Hudson, Lila Wallace and the
Cognac Hennessey 1st place Jazz Search.
Her influences come from Motor City’s music culture, her parents love of jazz, blues,
soul and classical music and her progressive music teachers from Detroit’s public schools.
Laster relocated to NYC after earning two music degrees from the UMich School of Music.
Her collaborations with internationally-known artists include Aretha
Franklin, Sun Ra Arkestra, Gladys Knight, Andrea Bocelli and Shakira
at President Obama’s Inaugural Neighborhood Ball – to just name a few!
Her original music projects include – Blue Lotus/New Muse4tet/string
quartet, Gameboard/global fusion and her educational program
Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble- empowering musicians both
young and professional in cross cultural programs that engage and
inspire self-expression through improvisation, composition and global music.
Acknowledged as one of 2022’s “best Jazz Violinist- All About Jazz.
More about Gwen at https://www.gwenlaster.com/