Deborah Tien Price was born in Warwick, RI and began studying the violin with Carol Pellegrino while in the fourth grade. She later earned music degrees from the Eastman School of Music, Louisiana State University, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying primarily with violinists, Camilla Wicks and Lynn Blakeslee. In addition, Ms. Price has lived and studied in Norway, performing throughout the country in ensembles ranging from string quartets to symphonies as well as performing on live television. It was here that her performing with conductorless chamber orchestras took off. 

Since 2000, Price has been a member of the nationally acclaimed New Century Chamber Orchestra, currently under the direction of violinist, Daniel Hope. An established member of the Bay Area music scene, she has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, the SF Opera and in San Francisco’s top musical theater productions and she can also be heard on numerous recordings by the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra.

Deb, as she is fondly called by those who know and love her, recently dedicated four years to teaching her daughter from home (at her daughter’s urging) while continuing her fight against stage 4 breast cancer. Deb’s joy of and appetite for learning continue as she surfs the challenges brought by her cancer treatment. Performing with NCCO keeps her mind and soul nourished, her connection with her NCCO family strong and vibrant, and her lifelong love of music alive and well. She lives with her husband, violinist and composer Evan Price, and their daughter in San Rafael, CA, where she enjoys daily hikes, gardening, and visits with friends on her patio.

What is your hometown?

Warwick, RI

How long have you performed with New Century?

Since 1998

What do you love about New Century?

The camaraderie, the connection with audiences, the intimacy and chance to share profound beauty, emotion, and the human experience with anyone who wishes to take part, to express the inexpressible.

What is your favorite New Century memory?How did you start learning your instrument, or who inspired you to begin?

In my public elementary school, the strings program was strong, begun by the fierce and determined single teacher named Carol Pellegrino. My mom taught my siblings and me how to play piano and to read music before I can remember so it has been a native tongue for me, in a way.

What do you like to do when you're not being a musician? What are your hobbies?

I love to knit and sew, tend to my green babies, bake, read chamber music and commune over good food and drink with friends and chosen family, visit the museums and their cafes, listen to podcasts and audible books, learn how to mother and human with intention and integrity.

What's your favorite Bay Area place (restaurant, park, etc.)?

Among my favorite places in the Bay Area are Pt Reyes and Inverness as well as my own backyard’s China Camp.