She is a violinist who studied at college and went from there to work in New York City with the group Chic as part of The Chic Strings. She performed, toured and recorded with them for several years until they initially disbanded in the early 1980s.
After a hiatus of 10 years she decided to start working as a freelance musician in New York and has gone on to perform regularly on Broadway in productions that include Oklahoma, Parade, Show Boat, The Sound of Music and Titanic. She was given a full time position at The Phantom of the Opera in 2002.
Outside of Broadway she has performed with several orchestras in New York City alongside playing on jungles and film recording sessions such as the 1999 Cradle Will Rock.
During her career she has appeared on many recordings that include Music from My Heart by Alfa Anderson, Paganini: After a Dream by Regina Carter, C’est Chic, Risque and Real People by Chic, Night Cruiser by Deodato, Grains of Paradise by Erik Friedlander, Like a Virgin by Madonna, Ricky Martin by Ricky Martin, How Glory Goes by Audra McDonald, Kidults by Mandy Patinkin, Diana by Diana Ross, Sheila and B. Devotion by Sheila and B. Devotion, We Are Family and Love Somebody Today by Sister Sledge, The Legend Hour by McCoy Tyner and the soundtrack of My Life With Albertine: The New Musical along with various collections and compilations.
Diana Ross recordings
Give Up (Bernard Edwards/Nile Rodgers)
Motown (M 1491F) (US 45)
She is the violinist on the right hand side wearing black…
Sources:
- https://maestramusic.org/profile/karen-milne/
- https://www.playbill.com/person/karen-milne-vault-0000010293
- https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/karen-milne-389881
- https://www.facebook.com/chicorganization/posts/a-very-happy-birthday-to-karen-milne-of-the-chic-strings-and-bill-holloman-tenor/2171301196230826/
- https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bc5c82a48
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/431668-Karen-Milne
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/karen-milne-mn0001183640/credits