Zachary Ragent

Zachary Ragent is a violinist based in Denver, CO. Originally from San Mateo, CA, Mr. Ragent now maintains an active and varied career as a performer and educator. Mr. Ragent currently serves as principal 2^nd of Opera Colorado, is a member of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Britt Festival Orchestra, and the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra, and was formerly a fellow with the New World Symphony.

While embracing his role as a performer, Mr. Ragent is also a dedicated teacher and a firm believer that music should serve and strengthen the community around it. To this end, he maintains a private studio and has taught for El Sistema based music programs in both California and Michigan.

In past summers, he has been a fellow at the Mendocino, Marrowstone, and Manchester Music Festivals, Garth Newel Music Center, National Orchestral Institute, and Chautauqua Institute.  

Mr. Ragent completed both a Master’s and Specialist’s degree in violin performance at the University of Michigan, where his mentors included Aaron Berofsky, David Halen, Yoonshin Song, and Andrew Jennings. While in Michigan, Mr. Ragent  was a member of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and played regularly with the Ann Arbor and Toledo (OH) Symphonies.  Complementing his orchestral endeavors, Mr. Ragent frequently gave solo and chamber music recitals in Ann Arbor and the greater community. Prior to his time in Michigan, Mr. Ragent completed his undergraduate studies with Roy Malan at UC Santa Cruz, where served as both concertmaster of the University Orchestra and a member of the undergraduate Resident String Quartet.

When not playing the violin, Mr. Ragent enjoys running, cooking, reading, and most anything related to the outdoors.