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Education: Studied painting at the Art Students
League, NY. I started 'cello at 7, with my father. Studied privately
for many years with the exception of my art school years. And studied
theory, ear training and history at Mannes. Graduated at NC School
for the Arts, NC
1. Are any of your family members musicians? If
so, what do they do?
All of my immediate family are string players. My father taught in public
schools, he and my mother privately, and both played in various orchestras
over the years -- Long island Symphony, Nassau Symphony, etc. My brother
and his wife, and my sister and her husband, play in the Toledo (Ohio) Symphony.
All violin except my brother-in-law (viola). My wife Elise is a 'cellist.
Together we could, in principle, play Mendelssohn's octet, but we never have
2. What has been the highlight of your One World
Symphony career to date?
Perhaps the "Cellobration" concert in September 2003.
3. What would you say is your favourite piece
of music?
Today I'll say Tippett String Quartet #5.
4. What's the best thing about One World Symphony?
Playing Mahler's Adagietto, 4 'cellos divisi, and being able to play the
soaring melody line so delicately with Simone.
...And the worst moment (if any)?
I think that I felt underprepared for the Falstaff, and since I had
been playing less lately my 4th finger muscle became very sore about halfway
through. Because it's got alot of fast notes in awkward keys it really taxes
your muscles.
5. What music do you listen to in the car or subway?
I listen mostly to chamber music, quartets. mostly modern/late romantic.
6. What is your favourite drink?
Red wine
7. What was the most recent book you read?
Red Star Over China by Edgar Snow
8. When you do have some free time, how do you
relax?
I don't understand this question.
9. Why do you continue to perform with One World
Symphony when you can perform with other ensembles that would
offer more financial benefits?
I have never pursued 'cello as my principal career. I have never been able
to set it aside either, and so I keep practicing, performing and learning.
I have tried to make 'cello pay for the time I spend with it, but much professional
playing is not necessarily musically rewarding, and that is the first priority.
At One World everybody is there for the joy of music making, the caliber
of musicianship is high, and the programming is generally exciting. I think
it's great that One World Symphony regularly program new works from members
of the community.
10. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Difficult to answer since my first career is as a painter.
11. Why would you recommend to other musicians
and public to participate with One World Symphony?
I think that people must always keep their sights on the principal that music
is an art, and a joy, before it is a job. It is great to have a place where
everyone understands that, and people play on a high level.
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