Eric Ortner has been performing on the violin for over thirty years. He started studying under the Suzuki method at the age of three. This early relationship with music has created a long-lasting love affair with the violin and all genres and styles of music that has remained with him for the entirety of his life.

He started studying violin under the guidance of Margaret Setviet in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Ortner’s education then continued under the supervision of Michael Hobart. He moved to New York’s Hudson Valley region in 2001 and has been performing and recording with various groups and musicians in the region ever since. One of the most prominent ensembles Eric has been affiliated with is St. Marks Consort, with whom Eric Ortner performed for five years. This group has functioned as the house band at the New York Renaissance Fair in various incarnations for the past 25 years. While in St. Marks Consort, Eric was recorded on two CDs released by iWaz music. He was a member of The Hudson River Folk Symphony in 2009 and placed in The Times Herald Record’s 2010 Best of the Hudson Valley for Chamber Music Experience of the year.

Eric performs in multiple styles of music including classical, rock, blues, jazz, country and bluegrass. He does not limit himself to violin, but considers himself a specialist in string instruments in general. He has performed and recorded on guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, Baglama Saz (Turkish long neck lute) and Bazouki (Greek long neck lute). He has also studied brass instruments and can play French horn and trumpet. Mr. Ortner’s current musical endeavors are primarily focused on the performance of classical music at weddings and special events.