Waundell Saavedra

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Education: Temple University (BM), Peabody Conservatory, Academy of Vocal Arts

One World Symphony Bass

1. Are any of your family members musicians? If so, what do they do?
I have three sisters and two brothers. My oldest sister played the flute as a child but no longer plays. My next oldest sister is a gospel singer. My youngest sister plays timbalis and does mime choreography. My oldest brother started out on the violin then played the saxophone and is now a drummer. My younger brother plays drums. Overall, I come from a very musical family.

2. What has been the highlight of your One World Symphony career to date?
Performing and getting through Falstaff in one piece.

3. What would you say is your favourite piece of music?
Very hard question because I love so many styles of music. But classically I love Rachmaninoff's piano concerto no. 2.

4. What's the best thing about One World Symphony?
The priest's chorus in Magic Flute.

5. What music do you listen to in the car or subway?
My radio is always set at CD101.9 smooth jazz.

6. What is your favourite drink?
Ruby Red grapefruit juice.

7. What was the most recent book you read?
Angels & Demons

8. When you do have some free time, how do you relax?
Watch home renovation TV shows or walk in the park.

9. Why do you continue to perform with One World Symphony when you can perform with other ensembles that would offer more financial benefits?
Really? I didn't know I could do that! But seriously, I love working with quality musicians. We all have the same goal and that is to share our gifts with the world.

10. If you had the opportunity to time travel, when and where would you prefer to live?
I would love to live right here in America 1,000 years from now.

Why?
History is always a distorted thing. It would be interesting to see how history is written once we are all gone. I would love to set the record straight for them.

11. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Miserable, but probably a writer or I would run a small business of some sort.

12. Why would you recommend to other musicians and public to participate with One World Symphony?
Because it's a haven of really good music and people.

13. What are your hobbies?
I love 18th and 19th century literature, ancient history, travel, and sports