Kate Norine Maloney is a Canadian violinist known for her bold artistry, immersive programming, and deeply expressive performances. With a vivid tonal palette and fearless musicality, Kate brings fresh life to both the classical canon and lesser-heard works, advocating for diversity and inclusivity in classical music through innovative concerts and collaborations.

As second violinist of the internationally acclaimed Barbican Quartet, Kate has quickly made her mark on the global chamber music scene. Just six months after she joined the ensemble, the quartet won First Prize at the 71st ARD International String Quartet Competition in 2022, alongside several special prizes including Best Performance of the Commissioned Work. This followed the ensemble’s triumphs at the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition and the Joseph Joachim International Chamber Music Competition. The Barbican Quartet released their debut album Manifesto on Love with Genuin Classics in 2024 to wide critical acclaim, with BR Klassik praising their “tonally balanced and perfectly coordinated” sound.

Kate’s artistry extends beyond the concert stage. She is committed to reshaping how audiences experience classical music—whether through curated programs that highlight underrepresented composers, interdisciplinary projects, or direct audience engagement. Her upcoming solo debut album, supported by Neustart Kultur and Bayern Innovative, features works by William Grant Still, Missy Mazzoli, and other visionary voices of classical music.

She has performed as soloist with orchestras across Europe, including the Bach Collegium and Europa Musicale, where she serves as concertmaster, and made her African debut in 2023 performing Florence Price’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Nairobi Symphony Orchestra in honor of International Women’s Day.

A passionate collaborator, Kate has shared the stage with artists such as James Ehnes, Quatuor Ébène, Modigliani Quartet, and Denis Brott, and appeared at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Walt Disney Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall London, Berlin Konzerthaus, Laeiszhalle Hamburg, and the Prinzregententheater in Munich to name a few!

Kate completed her formal studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München with Christoph Poppen and Lena Neudauer, as well as McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She continued her artistic development with the Quatuor Ébène and Eberhard Feltz at the newly established String Quartet Academy as well as with and Günter Pichler at the Escuela Reina Sofía in Madrid. She has been deeply inspired by mentorship from Mihaela Martin at the Villecroze Academy in France.

Outside the concert hall, Kate’s commitment to global musical engagement has taken her to Kenya, Tanzania, and Panama as part of the Global Leaders Program, where she teaches and performs in community-based initiatives.

Kate plays on a fine Italian violin by Francesco Ruggieri (Cremona, 1685), generously loaned by the Canimex Foundation in Canada.