By Nestor CASTIGLIONE

For some of us, our life’s purpose is revealed to us only after much struggle and passing of years. For the more fortunate among us, however, our vocation is something that becomes apparent at an early age with crystalline clarity. In the latter camp can be included Annelle K. Gregory, a young local violinist who is already cutting a wide swath in the musical world.

“It all really started at age 7 when a teacher read our class a book about a violinist,” she said. “I started playing a little after that and I loved it, though I wasn’t sure yet if I was going to be serious. But after a few years at local competitions I began to realize I would.”

In her teen years, Gregory, 22, began to amass a number of noteworthy distinctions including top awards at the National Sphinx Competition, International Stradivarius Competition, and the NANM National Strings Competition. This year she has been earning the acclaim of seasoned critics for her recent CD of the complete works for violin and piano by Sergei Rachmaninoff, in which she is joined by pianist Alexander Sinchuk. Now local music lovers can hear Gregory in person on Saturday in a solo violin recital that is part of the Edendale Up Close series.

Though her appearance in that concert series isn’t her first, the format – solo violin – is.

“It’s my first time doing this,” Gregory said. “It’s an interesting program, not just because of the challenge, but also because it’s a program of some of my favorite works.”

Amid the familiar names that make up Gregory’s favorites – Ysaye and Prokofiev – stands out a work with the striking title of “A Dark Gaze Bathed in Light.”

The work by Jessica Rudman is one of 200 works that Gregory received when she took up a suggestion by Blair Whittington, composer and music librarian at the Brand Library, for an international open call for scores.

“The response was incredible,” said Gregory of the various newly composed solo violin scores she received. Ultimately, she selected five works, of which one is Rudman’s.

As Saturday’s concert approaches, Gregory is steeling herself for what will promise to be another memorable Edendale experience.

“It’s an interesting venue,” she said of the Edendale Library in Echo Park. “Obviously, it’s not made for concerts. But I love that there are all kinds of people who attend the concerts. Last time I performed there, I saw people standing all the way up against the walls in the back of the room. So refreshing to see that enthusiasm and feel the connection with the audience.”

Gregory will be performing solo on Saturday, Sept. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. in the community room of the Edendale Library (2011 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles). Free parking can be found in the library lot. For more information, please go online to www.edendaleupclose.blogspot.com or call (213) 207-3000. You can also visit Gregory’s website at www.annelleviolin.com.

  Nestor CASTIGLIONE