What age did you start playing music?
I started at age 5. My eldest sister had started playing the violin when I was 3 and, naturally, I wanted to copy her, but my parents had me wait a few years to make sure it was something I would still be interested in.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
During my undergraduate studies, I purposefully chose to go to a university to explore alternative options but ended up dedicating all my time towards music. I attended all the Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts that my college card would allow me to attend (card with dedicated free admission dates for college students) and spent my money on used classical CDs and DVDs.
If you could program a TSO concert, what music would you select and why?
Tough question. Creating a thoughtful and cohesive program takes time to think about but I do have some ideas.
A collaboration with art would be something I would love to see, whether it’s with artists in our community or projecting historical pieces that relate to the music and composer we are performing. I saw a very moving exhibit about Richard Gerstl, a Viennese psychological expressionist painter who taught Arnold Schoenberg. Throughout the exhibit, the gallery played Schoenberg’s works including Verklärte Nacht. As I was moving along the gallery, listening to the music and reading about the artist and his work, the drama between Gerstl and Schoenberg began to unfold, helping me to better understand Gerstl as an artist and connect with Schoenberg’s music. Providing a visual and historical context to better connect with the composer or music can heighten a musical experience and it is something worth bringing to the audience.
Which concert have you enjoyed performing the most this season and why?
I would say Classics 2 and Masterworks 2. I liked the programming of Classics 2 which had works by Sibelius, Carreño, and Elgar.
It was so great to have virtuoso violinist, Kerson Leong, return to Tucson with the Korngold violin concerto for Masterworks 2.
Which concert are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
I am very excited to perform with Yura Lee. I think she is fantastic, and this program is paired with some great works.
What do you love about the violin in general and your instrument in particular?
I love how expressive and colorful the violin is in general. I just bought a new instrument and am enjoying getting to know and explore all of its colors.
What do you love about Tucson?
The community. People really care about supporting local businesses and artists.
