Zenas likes playing the violin. He was born in sunny San Jose, California and had his first audience in the hummingbirds and the crows outside his living room window. His favorite memories of childhood included discovering Mendelssohn piano trios and reading books of Frank Herbert, J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, and Dan Simmons.
He eventually found himself in Philadelphia at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he microwaved broccoli whole and survived on pizza. After fulfilling his graduate degrees at the New England Conservatory of Music, he stayed in Boston to explore the myriad musical possibilities the city has to offer, from being a proud member of A Far Cry, to playing dozens of Nutcracker shows, being part of chamber and orchestral startups and interrupters, and subbing with the Boston Symphony. His musical mentors who helped shape his musical personality include Wei He, Ida Kavafian, Nicholas Kitchen, and Donald Weilerstein.
Zenas really likes playing music with others, but also loves sharing ideas with young musicians. He is a founding member of Chamber Music by the Bay, an interactive music series based in California dedicated to bringing the joy of chamber music to libraries and local public schools. He also regularly coaches sectionals at the New England Conservatory, as well as festivals and workshops at Portland Summer Ensembles, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, and more.
When he is not violin-ing, Zenas enjoys taking candid photos and videos, wondering what to do with his sourdough discard, and dabbling in meditation. In recent years, he has been spending lots of time with his wife and daughter and trying new things together like skiing, horseback riding, snorkeling, and dancing. Come up and talk to him anytime! He might be a little shy but he will always enjoy hearing your story.
