Ken Allen

Violist Ken Allen brings a unique blend of artistic and intellectual depth to his performances with chamber ensembles and orchestras across New England. Recent appearances include the Cape Symphony, Lexington Symphony, Lowell Chamber Orchestra, New England Repertory Orchestra, Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Portland Bach Experience and Wagner in Vermont summer festivals.

Beyond the stage, Ken advocates for his instrument through community-building and professional engagement. He co-founded and led the Massachusetts Viola Society, a nonprofit created during the pandemic to connect and support violists through workshops, performances, and conversations. He continues this commitment through his memberships in 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, modern 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 resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Marlboro, Vermont, with his husband and cat, playing violas crafted by Douglas Cox.