Debra Belmonte

• Instrument: Violin I

Debra Belmonte has been a member of the first violin section of the Edmonton Symphony since 1989. After being introduced to the violin by her first teacher, composer Dr. S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatte, she pursued her studies on the instrument in Brandon, Toronto, Banff and Vancouver, receiving her Bachelor of Music from Brandon University. She has performed with the National Youth Orchestra, the Canadian Chamber Orchestra, Blossom Music Festival (Cleveland) and the Advanced Music Studies Program at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts, as well as recordings for CBC Radio and with Quartetto Capilano string quartet. Both within and outside the sphere of music, Debra has spearheaded and assisted with initiatives for cooperative community ventures and charitable fundraisers. Her interests outside of music are varied and include reading, beading and jewelry design, hiking, and most importantly, her and her husband's two children - Alban, who plays violin, and Kendra, who plays cello. Debra is married to ESO Principal Violist Stefan Jungkind.