John H. Littlejohn, violin

John H. Littlejohn is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory where he completed his Master of Music and a Graduate Performance Diploma in violin performance with Herbert Greenberg. A native of Lansing/Midland, Michigan, Mr. Littlejohn began studying the violin at age ten in a public school system and began private lessons at the age of sixteen. His former teachers have included Anthony Elliott, Stephen Shipps, Andrew Jennings, and Yizhak Shotten (viola). He is currently the concertmaster of the Newark Symphony and a member of the Baltimore Opera Orchestra. In addition, he teaches private lessons to at-risk children through the Enterprise Foundation Music Program. His solo engagements have included performances with the Cosmic Chamber Orchestra and a European tour with the International Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2003. As a music producer/hip-hop artist, Mr. Littlejohn produces under the name "Adidam" and has recorded a self-titled debut CD (www.adidammusic.com). In 2002, he was the winner of the Virtu Foundation Instrument Competition and performs on a violin by Oliver Radke.

Getting to know John H. Littlejohn

What are your hobbies outside of music?

Outside of music, my favorite thing to do is hike. Sometimes it’s nice to climb a mountain and hang out at the top. It’s a great way to exercise and it gives me time to organize my thoughts. I also enjoy traveling and cooking.

What is your favorite food?

Since I’m a pig, it’s difficult for me to pick one food. My favorite meal is breakfast. I like to go to a nice breakfast joint with friends, family, or alone on Saturday mornings. I also make great pancakes.

What was the most memorable or scariest musical experience you’ve ever had?

I’ve had some crazy musical experiences but the first one that comes to mind is a concert in 1995 with the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony in a small German village. The program was Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony and the Sibelius Violin Concerto. I was in high school and very excited about being out of the country. The audience was extremely enthusiastic but was comprised of EIGHT people, one of whom had a heart attack after the second movement of the symphony and was carried out on a stretcher by paramedics during the third movement. I’ll never forget the sound of sirens as the remaining seven audience members tried to revive the victim. We probably should have stopped playing but for some reason we continued, providing the background music to a real-life drama.

What do you enjoy most about being a young artist?

The thing I enjoy most about being a young artist is the creation process. In today’s music world you have create your own music career, and it’s exciting to be in a field where you can carve your own path.

What is your personal quote or motto that you live by?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…if God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28-31