THE PEOPLE

Rabia Brooke

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Violinist Rabia Brooke has graced stages from Carnegie Hall to Europe, but what truly defines her artistry is curiosity and meaningful collaboration. Known for her versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and advocate for new music, Rabia approaches every performance with imagination and depth. As Artist-in-Residence for Nova Linea Musica, she is helping shape the future of chamber music while honoring its traditions. We sat down with Rabia to talk about creativity, collaboration, and what’s next.

Q: You’ve become known for championing contemporary music. What draws you to commissioning and performing new works?

There’s something magical about creating music that speaks to the present moment. Every premiere feels like an adventure: you’re stepping into a sound world that’s never been heard before. I love collaborating with composers and shaping a piece together. It’s a shared journey, and when the audience experiences that for the first time, it’s a moment of real connection.

“Every premiere feels like an adventure. You’re stepping into a sound world that’s never been heard before.”

Q: You’ve collaborated with composers including Lei Liang, Shawn Okpebholo, Clarice Assad, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, Jennifer Higdon, and Chen Yi. What have those experiences taught you?

Each collaboration is a dialogue. These composers all have such distinct voices, and working with them pushes me to think differently about sound and interpretation. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with new techniques; other times, it’s about finding the emotional heartbeat of a piece. Those moments give clarity to my own voice on the violin: they remind me why I play and what I want to express as an artist.

Q: Nova Linea Musica celebrates both contemporary and traditional repertoire. How do you balance those worlds in your own playing?

I see them as intertwined rather than separate. Playing Beethoven or Brahms informs how I approach a brand-new piece, and new music gives me fresh insight into the classics. Both require imagination and a willingness to listen: to the composer, to the score, and to the audience.

Q: When you commission or premiere a new work, what do you look for in the music?

I look for music that resonates with me on a deep level: something I feel passionate about and can share honestly with an audience. It’s not just about technical brilliance; it’s about emotional truth. That’s why meaningful collaboration with the composer matters so much. When we work closely together, the piece becomes something authentic, something that reflects both their voice and mine.

Q: What excites you most about your upcoming performance in Beyond the Art of Measures on March 11?

This program is incredibly special because it includes the world premiere of Art Measures, a new work by Jennifer Higdon commissioned by Nova Linea Musica. Jennifer is such a powerhouse in the music world, and I’m honored to bring her music to life. The piece plays with rhythm and structure in fascinating ways: alive, unpredictable, full of movement. I think audiences will love the sense of surprise and vitality in these works.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young musicians interested in new music, what would it be?

Play works you are passionate about and follow your instincts: the audience will sense when you’re sharing your true self. New music can feel intimidating at first, but it’s an incredible opportunity to shape the future of our art form. My advice? Approach every piece like a dialogue. Reach out to living composers and talk with them: it will change your life and your playing. Then dig into the score and look for the subtle nuances that make the music speak. Experiment: try different bowings, explore colors, and don’t be afraid to take risks. That’s where you discover your own voice.

“Play works you are passionate about and follow your instincts: the audience will sense when you’re sharing your true self.”

Rabia Brooke performs in Beyond the Art of Measures on March 11, 2026 at 7:30pm at 11 E Adams St, Chicago, featuring the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Art Measures, commissioned by Nova Linea Musica. Tickets at novalineamusica.org.

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