Veronica MJ

Veronica Mercedes Pazymiño Jurkiewicz is an instrumentalist, vocalist, educator, and curator based in Philadelphia. She is drawn to sound involving the intersection of experimental, improvisational, and traditional practice; has a passion for creating and realizing diverse types of artistic programs and performing art experiences; and is an active member of the avant-garde music scene in Philadelphia.

A versatile musician, Veronica shape-shifts as both a violinist and violist as well as between many different genres and languages within music. As the violist of the Bismuth String Quartet, Veronica is actively curating and programming collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects as well as performing new/experimental music. She is also a soprano in Choral Arts Philadelphia, performing alongside early music instrumentalists and vocalists; improvising alongside Afro-Cuban percussionists as a member of Sonic Liberation Front; interpreting new music as member of Arcana New Music Ensemble; and bringing chamber music to the people with Classical Revolution Philly. As a founding member of Prometheus Chamber Orchestra, Veronica served as the curator of many concerts throughout each season, with unique programs which brought hundreds of new listeners to the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia to experience music by such composers as: Gavin Bryars, Jessie Montgomery, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Beethoven, G.F. Handel, Strauss, Louis Andriessen, Caroline Shaw, John Cage, and more.

As a Teaching Artist and educator, Veronica brings her passion for chamber music, nurturing creativity, and de-colonizing the formal institution of classical music to her teaching philosophy.