Elizabeth Kidwell was born in Fargo, ND and spent her early years in Evanston, IL where she began studying violin. When graduating high school, she was awarded a coveted scholarship to study in France at Fontainebleau with premier music teacher Nadia Boulanger. After completing her BA in music, Elizabeth moved to California and performed with the Peninsula Symphony where she eventually met her husband, Wayne. Elizabeth first performed with the Modesto Symphony in 1964 and won the MSO’s Young Artist competition in the 1965-66 season. Wayne’s higher education pursuits led them to Illinois for a time and upon returning to California, she regularly performed with the Modesto, Stockton, and Merced symphonies and the Fresno Philharmonic. Elizabeth was in the first violin section of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and was a cherished member for nearly 50 years and will be greatly missed.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is dedicating this weekend’s performances to the memory of Elizabeth Kidwell.
