Played with the PSO since: 2024
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
I started playing violin at age 10. I started piano at age four.
Why did you chose your current instrument?
My friends convinced me to join them in group string lessons during elementary school and I fell in love with the lyric qualities of the violin and its repertoire. I also love the personal attachment to my own instrument. It feels like an extension of my body and I know it like I know a family member.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
I enjoy playing a small role in a much larger organism. The coordination required to play large symphony music leaves me in awe every time I do it. I also enjoy that rehearsals feel like performances that I get to sit in the audience for. I will never cease to be impressed by the dedication and artistry of my colleagues.
What is your favorite piece to play on violin?
My favorite unaccompanied piece to play for violin is the Bach Sonata in A minor, my favorite solo violin piece to play with accompaniment is the Wieniawski Scherzo-Tarantella, and my favorite ensemble pieces are any of the Mahler symphonies.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO? Do you play with other groups?
I enjoy running, playing backgammon with my partner, and spending time with our cat Lizzie and our two dalmatians, Harvey and Layla.
I am most proud of my work as a principal member of the Brandenburg and Beyond Chamber Orchestra.
Tell us about your musical education.
I attended Boston University for my undergraduate degree where I studied privately with the legendary Roman Totenberg. In my graduate program at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, I studied privately with Elizabeth Chang and had the great privilege of studying chamber music with Astrid Schween, the current cellist for the Juilliard String Quartet.
