Katherine Burton

Katherine G. Burton, violinist, has a story to tell us. It is the story of Gospel Music and she tells it with determination, energy and talent… holding it together with the strings of her violin.

It is rare to hear an instrumental performance of Gospel Music on the violin, but innovation is nothing new to this performer and teacher. Burton has conducted Philadelphia's New Dawn Orchestra which performed a wide repertoire of music.

A native of Philadelphia, she has taken her classical training into the realm of gospel music to the delight of her audiences. Katherine Burton has captured the attention of many renowned local and national gospel groups. She has been a featured performer at the James Cleveland Workshop of America and the Thomas Dorsey Convention.

Burton's musical talents have been showcased with the Sequence Choir of New York where they performed in London, England. "Realizing the need to communicate the African American gospel experience with an audience that did not have access to gospel music was enlightening and pleasing for us as well as the Europeans." said Burton.

"I'll Fly Away" is the title of the debut CD by Burton. It is a compilation of hymns and contemporary gospel music. Burton's vibrant and spiritual style is clearly distinguishable in her traditional and contemporary music and reflects a mastery of the violin. As a Christian, her sincere desire is to praise, uplift and glorify God. It seems that she has established a place in gospel music… a place to worship the Lord with her violin.

New Dawn Productions Releases Debut CD

The typical mental picture of a violinist is the performance of classical musical. This image has been etched in the minds of people because the overwhelming majority of violinists fit this description. However, Katherine Burton is a rare individual. She has struggled against these stereotyped ideas and has become not only an accomplished musician, educator and conductor but an aspiring solo, female, African American gospel violinist.

The unique artistry of Burton is self-evident. She has been described as one of Philadelphia's most admired musicians. She is not only a masterful gospel violinist, as her audiences will attest, but a conductor extraordinaire. Burton has conducted Philadelphia's New Dawn Orchestra and created many stimulating instrumental gospel arrangements.

"I'll Fly Away" is the title of the debut CD by Burton. It is a compilation of hymns and contemporary gospel music. Her indelible rendition of "I'll Fly Away" incorporates R. Kelly's tune, "I Believe I Can Fly" and leaves listeners mesmerized. Burton's vibrant and spiritual style is clearly distinguishable in her traditional and contemporary music and reflects a mastery of the violin. Her remarkable ability has been recognized in the United States and Europe and has inspired many young musicians.

Katherine Burton is a multi-talented African American woman whose music spiritually electrifies and energizes audiences. Her talents have captured the attention of many renowned local and national gospel groups. She has been a featured performer with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, National Convention of Chorus and Choruses and the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar.

Burton's talents have also been showcased with the Sequence Choir of Queens New York where they performed in London, England. "Realizing the need to communicate the African American gospel experience with an audience hat did not have access to gospel music was enlightening and pleasing for us as well as the Europeans," said Burton. Two selections, "Jesus, You're the Center of My Joy" by Grammy-Award winning gospel star, Richard Smallwood and "Order My Steps" by Glen Bernie proved to be enduring favorites of the audience.

After her graduation from high school, she continued her musical education at Temple University, College of Music where she received a B.A. in Music Education with a concentration on violin. She has also earned a M.A. in Education from Beaver College and completed graduate work at West Chester and Villanova Universities.

As a resident of Philadelphia, Burton needs no introduction. She is employed as a string instructor at the School District of Philadelphia. Her music instruction for young people has earned the plaudits of parents, teachers and budding musicians of all ages. Youth not only learn artistic skills but Burton dispenses wisdom, discipline and emotional support.

"Growing up in the African American church has enabled me to shift from classical music and to translate the violin into soul stirring and upbeat African American gospel music. I am grateful God has given me an instrument that speaks for me," said Burton.

The love of music is truly a family affair for the Burtons. Her two sons, Desmond and George III, are accomplished violinists. Burton is blessed with boundless energy and determination in bringing a contemporary and uplifting message in her music world