08/17/2026
🎻 Musician Monday Spotlight 🎻
This week, we're proud to introduce Erik Ellsworth, one of the dedicated musicians who helps bring the Symphony of the Southwest to life. From caring for young hearts as a pediatric cardiologist to sharing the joy of live orchestral music on stage, Erik's story is a wonderful example of the passion and talent found throughout our orchestra.
Erik Ellsworth is a six-year member of the Symphony of the Southwest, where he performs as a violinist. A fifth-generation Arizona native, he was raised in Mesa in a family that fostered a deep love for music. Music has long been an important outlet for him, even as he pursued his goal of becoming a physician. He continued playing with the symphony during his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona, where he majored in physics and biochemistry. While violin took a temporary backseat during medical school and residency training at the Mayo Clinic, he remained active in church music whenever possible.
Erik’s wife, Emily, is a talented pianist, and their home is often filled with the music of her students. Their four children are also musically engaged, particularly in piano and string instruments, with two having performed as cellists in the Youth Symphony of the Southwest.
Professionally, Erik is a pediatric cardiologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he specializes in inpatient cardiac care, heart failure, and advanced imaging. He is also passionate about medical education and is involved in training medical students through the Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona.
As his schedule has allowed, Erik has welcomed the opportunity to more fully reengage with orchestral performance. Playing with the Symphony of the Southwest has been a meaningful and rewarding part of his life, offering the chance to collaborate with talented musicians and bring inspiring music to the community.
In addition to his orchestral work, Erik is an active choral singer and performs with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. He has also enjoyed leading church choirs. Outside of music and medicine, he enjoys scuba diving, hiking, running, and traveling with his family.
Want to learn more about the Symphony of the Southwest, our musicians, and our upcoming 70th Anniversary Season? Visit our website: https://www.symphonyofthesouthwest.org/
