What/who inspired you to pursue music professionally?
I give a lot of credit to my teacher, Li-Kuo Chang, who was the Assistant Principal viola of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for many years until he retired last season. I first met Li-Kuo at a summer festival when I was in high school. He opened the doors to the world of professional classical music to me, and he did so with graciousness and humility. He taught me to have deep respect for the composers whose music we play, the audiences we play it for, and the colleagues we play it with. I eventually returned to study with him in graduate school and continued working with him afterwards. I would not be a professional musician without his guidance and am forever grateful for his artistry and wisdom.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever received?
This is a tough one! I have learned a lot from my wonderful colleagues and teachers, and it feels impossible to choose just one piece of advice. Rather than picking the “best” piece of advice, I’ll share something that a movement coach has been guiding me on recently: “every time you pick up your instrument, claim a space that is at least as large as the largest space you will play in.” Most of us spend the majority of our time with our instruments practicing in a space the size of an office or a small room, and over time this can inhibit our physical range of motion and our concept of sound. If every time we play, we claim an infinitely large space, regardless of the walls around us, our movement and sound become freer, and we can “own” any space we play in.
What do you love about the viola in general and your instrument in particular?
I love so many things about the viola! I love how our role in ensembles is so variable- we sometimes play the melody, sometimes the bass line, and sometimes the harmony in between. Speaking of those inner voices- they can be incredibly satisfying to play. It’s not just all oom-pah’s (okay, sometimes it’s oom-pah’s)- but other times the inner line can be the richest, most complex part of a piece, especially in music by composers like Brahms, Strauss, and Mahler. Without it, pieces would be empty- the violas are “the hummus between the pita,” as one of my teachers used to say.
I also love how violas have such a wide range of timbre and character. Since violas are not built according to a limited set of standard measurements like violins and cellos, they vary greatly in their length, width, and shape, which leads to a variety of sound colors and personalities among different instruments. My own viola has a smooth, buttery sound but also has clarity, brightness, and power. Its sound and all of its quirks (both good and bad) have influenced my playing a lot, and it’s hard to imagine playing a different instrument.
Which concert from the upcoming season are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to February’s Classic Series concert with Paul Huang playing the Dvořák Violin Concerto. Paul is an incredible violinist, and he makes a gorgeous sound, and the Dvořák is such a cool piece. William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1 is also on the program. Still’s music is so lush and colorful, and I think it will be a nice fit with the Dvořák. I’m also really looking forward to playing Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I have to admit that I’ve never seen the movie… but I love John Williams’ music, and movies are always fun to play, so I’m excited for that.
What is your favorite thing about Tucson?
My favorite thing about Tucson is living in such a unique ecosystem. The Sonoran Desert is home to some creatures and plants that don’t live anywhere else in the world, and the ways they’ve adapted to living in this climate are fascinating. I’m planning to volunteer at the Tucson Wildlife Center in the fall and revisit my work with wildlife rescue and rehab. I’m looking forward to spending some time caring for the animals we share the desert with.
