Ken Allen

Violist Ken Allen brings a unique blend of artistic and intellectual depth to his performances across New England, maintaining a multifaceted schedule of over 50 concerts annually. His core orchestral work includes regular engagements with the Cape Symphony, Lexington Symphony, Lowell Chamber Orchestra, Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra. Complementing these large-scale ensembles, his recent projects range from historical performance with the Portland Bach Experience to contemporary world premieres with the Boston New Music Initiative, alongside five consecutive seasons with TUNDI's Wagner in Vermont summer festival.

Beyond the concert stage, Ken’s work extends into advocacy and community-building. As a Teaching Artist with Castle of our Skins, he helps celebrate Black artistry through education and performance. He is also an active member of the American String Teachers Association, American Viola Society, Boston Musicians’ Association, and Early Music America.

Ken’s path to music weaves together diverse passions. His early interests in math, dance, and literature led him to earn a degree in English with highest honors from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and a Graduate Prize Fellowship at Harvard. Inspired by extraordinary teachers, he turned fully toward music, earning a Master of Music from the Boston Conservatory and a Graduate Diploma in Historical Performance from the Longy School of Music.

He splits his time with his husband and cat between Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Marlboro, Vermont. Still an avid reader and dancer, Ken performs on violas beautifully crafted by Vermont luthier Douglas Cox.