June 1, 2026
Violinist Njioma Grevious
Tell us a little about what you’re playing in your Spotlight Series recital.
I’m so looking forward to performing this program in San Francisco with my dear friend and collaborative pianist Andrew Goodridge. This program of meaningful pieces to me that spans a little over 300 years, includes works by Electra Perivolaris, Olivier Messiaen, Sergei Prokofiev, Clarence Cameron White, and J.S. Bach. This program truly shows just how versatile in style the violin can be. This excites me! I’m particularly looking forward to sharing Messiaen’s Theme and Variations—a piece that I first heard while abroad in 2019.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music?
I was introduced earlier in life and just fell in love with the violin and the collaborative aspects of playing in every sense. I enjoyed learning and playing with my friends and peers on Saturdays in the string training scholarship program I grew up in in Boston. I’m so grateful for the upbringing I had taking music theory classes, ear training, chamber music, youth orchestra, and private lessons. I had the never-ending encouragement and support of my mother, and the village that made this happen. Many teachers and artists influenced me and impacted my desire to make a life in music. One particular teacher, with his knowledge and passion for the violin, was the late James Oliver Boswell IV. He was my private teacher during most of my high school years.
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I’m so looking forward to performing this program in San Francisco with my dear friend and collaborative pianist Andrew Goodridge. This program of meaningful pieces to me that spans a little over 300 years, includes works by Electra Perivolaris, Olivier Messiaen, Sergei Prokofiev, Clarence Cameron White, and J.S. Bach. This program truly shows just how versatile in style the violin can be. This excites me! I’m particularly looking forward to sharing Messiaen’s Theme and Variations—a piece that I first heard while abroad in 2019.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music?
I was introduced earlier in life and just fell in love with the violin and the collaborative aspects of playing in every sense. I enjoyed learning and playing with my friends and peers on Saturdays in the string training scholarship program I grew up in in Boston. I’m so grateful for the upbringing I had taking music theory classes, ear training, chamber music, youth orchestra, and private lessons. I had the never-ending encouragement and support of my mother, and the village that made this happen. Many teachers and artists influenced me and impacted my desire to make a life in music. One particular teacher, with his knowledge and passion for the violin, was the late James Oliver Boswell IV. He was my private teacher during most of my high school years.
Story continues below...
What’s your routine like on concert days?
I wouldn’t say I have any unique rituals, but I do try to sleep in if possible and/or take a nap if it’s an evening concert. I also try to eat well or at least try to avoid being adventurous with my food choices that day! And, of course, warming up within reason. Enough where I feel I’ve checked in mentally and physically, but not so much that I don’t want to play the concert!
What do you like to do outside of music?
I love visiting new places, exercising, including indoor rock climbing (emphasis on indoor…), and spending time with my family and friends. And, if I am lucky, getting to see other arts performances when I’m not performing myself, whether it be a play, musical, or jazz performance. All of these activities give me life and inspire me so much!
Njioma Grevious makes her debut at the San Francisco Symphony in a Shenson Spotlight Series recital, June 3.
I wouldn’t say I have any unique rituals, but I do try to sleep in if possible and/or take a nap if it’s an evening concert. I also try to eat well or at least try to avoid being adventurous with my food choices that day! And, of course, warming up within reason. Enough where I feel I’ve checked in mentally and physically, but not so much that I don’t want to play the concert!
What do you like to do outside of music?
I love visiting new places, exercising, including indoor rock climbing (emphasis on indoor…), and spending time with my family and friends. And, if I am lucky, getting to see other arts performances when I’m not performing myself, whether it be a play, musical, or jazz performance. All of these activities give me life and inspire me so much!
Njioma Grevious makes her debut at the San Francisco Symphony in a Shenson Spotlight Series recital, June 3.
