Originally from Bulgaria, violist Irena McGuffee is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions including the MTNA chamber music award and the Boca Pops Scholarship Competition. She has performed under many renowned conductors, Leonard Slatkin, Pierre Boulez, Gunter Schuller, Charles Dutoit, and Kurt Masur, among others. Ms. McGuffee received her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and Bachelor degree Summa Cum Laude from the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida. She performs with the Berkshire Bach Ensemble, Mark Morris Dance Group, Continuo Arts Ensemble and in chamber music settings in New York City, where she currently resides.