Where Are They Now?
Jane Hunt Class of '01

SHE ditched Didsbury’s pavement cafés for the skyscraper skyline of New York when she took the bold decision to pursue a career as a professional musician.

Now violin virtuoso Jane Hunt is building a burgeoning reputation Stateside, having just released her first album and made her debut solo performance at Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan.

Aged 24, the former MHSG student has enjoyed a meteoric rise since moving to the Big Apple in 2005, having successfully auditioned for the American-based string quartet, Neo Camerata.

She explained: “I came from a sporting family and so, to an extent, music was only a hobby. I was 17 when I realised that I had a big decision to make and I opted to pursue a career in music. When my days at MHSG came to a close, I was fortunate to gain a place at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and from that point on, I never looked back.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Manchester High where I quickly learned that my dreams could be realised if I was determined and worked hard enough. Many of my teachers were inspiring and I still retain many friendships from my school days; in fact I have tracked several down in New York and we have started to meet regularly,” said Jane, during a recent trip back to Manchester.

Jane’s recent efforts have been channelled into establishing her own record label and production company, Violin Venus LLC, and completing her solo debut album, Rebirth. Added Jane: “Living in New York is an almost perfect existence. I realise that I am incredibly fortunate to hold down this lifestyle. At times, I feel that the only thing missing is a Fish and Chip shop to rival the one on School Lane in Didsbury!”

• Jane has just launched an MHSG Old Girls’ Society in New York which functions as a forum for all former pupils living in the Big Apple. If you are living in NYC or planning to move there, please contact Jane via email violinvenus@gmail.com for more information.

To visit Jane's web site, click here.