Gale Hess

American violinist/multi-instrumentalist and composer, born 22 February, 1955 in Calexico, California and died 2 January, 2012. Hess grew up in Dallas, Texas and was first violinist in the W.T. White Symphony Orchestra in 1973. Hess then studied music in Europe before returning to Dallas. She went on to cofound gypsy jazz band Cafe Noir in 1985 and played solo and in the Gyros String Quartet. She was also involved in Dallas theatre. After Café Noir disbanded, she played with Cirque Du Soleil, joining the troupe in 2008.