Concertmaster Cara Schlecker Ketter

West Suburban Symphony Concertmaster Cara Schlecker Ketter brings a rich mix of performance experience to the West Suburban Symphony. She joined us in 2021 and is excited to provide creative leadership within our orchestras. Ketter has performed as a solo and ensemble violinist across the U.S. and in Europe and has been featured on WFMT radio in Chicago. In addition to playing classical music in orchestras and smaller groups, she has enjoyed opportunities to tour with popular artists such as rock singer Rod Stewart, country singer Jo Dee Messina, the Rolling Stones' Chuck Leavell, and R.E.M.'s Mike Mills.

Ketter, who is passionate about helping others find satisfaction and confidence in music making, teaches violin privately and has taught at Triton College in River Grove. She holds master's and bachelor's degrees in violin performance from the University of Michigan and Georgia's Mercer University, respectively. An Oak Park native, she resides in Itasca.