Ruth Bacon, Violinist
Poème, Op. 25, by Ernest Chausson

Violinist Ruth Bacon is a native of New Mexico, where she began her violin studies at the age of four. She pursued Suzuki Pedagogy in her undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico and earned her Master of Music in violin performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. A two-time Tanglewood Music Center Fellow, she has toured internationally with Star Wars in Concert.

In 2011, Ms. Bacon relocated to Knoxville to join the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra as a full-time member, where she performed for nine seasons. She has also appeared with orchestras nationwide, including the Atlanta, Charlotte, Louisville, and Richmond Symphonies. Locally, she has soloed with the Knoxville Symphony, Scruffy City Orchestra, and Maryville College Orchestra.

An avid chamber musician, Ruth is a founding member of the Knoxville-based Inner Voices String Quartet. Her versatile performing career spans venues from the Big Ears Festival and Candlelight concerts to weekly church services. She maintains a thriving private violin studio for students of all ages and has served as a guest clinician across the United States.

Ruth resides in Knoxville’s historic Parkridge neighborhood with her husband, Scruffy City Orchestra conductor Dr. Ace Edewards, and their two young sons. The family enjoys hiking and exploring the beauty of East Tennessee together.

Ryan Seaver, Associate Organist, Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 (the “Organ Symphony”) by Camille Saint-Saens

A recent graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ryan Seaver double-majored, earning degrees in both Theology and Catechetics with double minors in Sacred Music and Music Ministry.

A proud alumnus of both SHCS and Knoxville Catholic High School, Ryan first discovered his love for the organ during his formative years. As a middle school student, he regularly accompanied school Masses, and by high school, he was faithfully serving as organist for the 7:30 AM Sunday Mass. During this time, he studied under Dr. Edie Johnson and also held the position of organist at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville. While pursuing his undergraduate studies, Ryan was named an organ fellow at the Pittsburgh Oratory of St. Philip Neri and studied with Professor Nicholas Will.

In his role at the Cathedral, Ryan’s responsibilities include accompanying liturgies and providing musical support across parish events, as well as serving in a teaching and mentoring role within the Cathedral Academy of Music.

(Biography courtesy of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.)