- Instrument First Violins
Violinist John Helmich, an Iowa native, defines what it is to be a classical musician in today’s eclectic musical society. Soloist, Chamber Artist, Orchestra and Opera musician are all facets of Mr. Helmich’s wide ranging performing experience. Equally passionate about teaching, Mr. Helmich has reached countless students through lessons, masterclasses and outreach concerts.
As the Howard Hanson Scholarship recipient to attend the Eastman School of Music at the age of 17, Mr. Helmich graduated with High Distinction with both his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and Master of Music in Violin Performance and Literature degree in record time in the history of the school. His primary teachers included Oleh Krysa, Zvi Zeitlin and Timothy Ying. During his studies at Eastman, he was coached extensively by the Ying Quartet with additional masterclasses and coachings with Ilya Kaler, Marylin McDonald, Miriam Fried, Pamela Frank, the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet.
An avid soloist, as well as chamber musician, Mr. Helmich began performing as soloist and recitalist throughout the United States. He immediately won positions with both the Des Moines Metro Opera and the Des Moines Symphony. He was then asked to join the Belin Quartet. All of which he is still currently a member.
In addition, Mr. Helmich has collaborated with today’s pop and jazz musicians including Josh Groban, Amy Grant, Johnny Mathis, The Beach Boys, and Mannheim Steamroller. As well as performing with numerous national touring Broadway shows.
Mr. Helmich has served as Teaching Artist of Violin at Drake University and Central College. He also teaches violin and coaches chamber music groups at the Des Moines Symphony Academy. His students have been accepted into the nation’s top music schools including the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Northwestern University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Helmich plays a Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume 1873, Paris violin and a Charles Nicolas Bazin 1880, Paris bow.An avid soloist, as well as chamber musician, Mr. Helmich has performed in concerts and recitals throughout the United States. He is currently a member of the Derazey Piano Trio, the Belin Quartet, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Des Moines Symphony. He has performed on concert series at the Des Moines Art Center, the Des Moines Salisbury House, as well as for the World Food Prize, and the Iowa Gubernatorial Inauguration Ceremony. He has served as Principal Second Violin of the Des Moines Metro Opera and is currently Associate Concertmaster. He has also performed in opera productions with Drake University, Simpson College, and the University of Iowa.
John is currently a member of the first violin section of the Des Moines Symphony. In addition, Mr. Helmich has collaborated with today’s pop and jazz musicians including Josh Groban, Amy Grant, Max Wellman, and Mannheim Steamroller. He has also performed with numerous national touring Broadway shows. Mr. Helmich has served as a Teaching Artist of Violin at Drake University. He also teaches violin and coaches chamber music groups at the Des Moines Symphony Academy. His students have been accepted into the nation’s top music schools, including the New England Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, Oberlin, Northwestern University, and the Peabody Conservatory.
John has been a member of the Des Moines Symphony since 2002.
