Podcast - Jennifer Thomas
David Fogel Interviews Friend of the Show Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Thomas is a multi-award-winning American composer, pianist, violinist, filmmaker, and recording artist known for blending classical virtuosity with cinematic storytelling. Her emotionally powerful music and visually immersive productions have earned her international recognition as one of the leading voices in modern classical crossover music.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jennifer began studying piano and violin at the age of five. After studying piano at university, she performed as a concert soloist with symphonies and orchestras throughout the United States before launching her solo career as an independent artist in 2007. Combining her classical training with a passion for film music, she developed the signature sound that has become her trademark—sweeping orchestral arrangements, virtuosic piano performances, and deeply emotional storytelling.
Since embarking on her solo career, Jennifer has released nine studio albums and built a global audience through her recordings, films, and live performances. Her albums have reached #1 on both the Amazon and iTunes Classical charts, while multiple releases have ranked within the Top 3 of Billboard's Classical and Classical Crossover charts.
Jennifer's music has been featured in film, television, and major international sporting events. Her compositions have been performed at three Olympic Games—the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics—where her music has become a favorite among elite figure skaters and choreographers worldwide.
A Yamaha Artist and Hollywood Music in Media Award winner, Jennifer has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Benaroya Hall and has collaborated with world-class orchestras, engineers, and musicians throughout her career. Her recordings include projects produced at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, and her music is represented internationally through partnerships including Avex Entertainment in Asia, Warner Chappell Music, and Audio Network.
Beyond music, Jennifer is also a filmmaker and visual storyteller whose cinematic music videos, documentaries, and creative content offer audiences a behind-the-scenes look into the artistic process. Whether through albums, films, or live performances, her work seeks to inspire courage, imagination, resilience, and hope.
Jennifer lives on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula with her husband and three sons, where the forests, mountains, and coastline of the Pacific Northwest continue to inspire much of her music and storytelling.
Please enjoy this long-format conversation between David Fogel (CEO, The Symphonina Foundation) and Jennifer.