One World Symphony = Our Artists = Profiles = Rod Gomez

Birth Place: Manila, Philippines

Education: Graduated at Cal State U., Northridge (BM); San Francisco Conservatory of Music (MM)

1. Are any of your family members musicians? If so, what do they do?
Yes, brother is also professional baritone, working extensively throughout the Western U.S.; sister sings in a band and composes and teaches music school for children (more talented than my brother or myself). Parents sang semi-professionally; extended family of musicians (a few singers, a few string players, even a composer).

2. What has been the highlight of your One World Symphony career to date?
Directing -- then eventually performing the Count in -- Le Nozze di Figaro

3. What would you say is your favourite piece of music?
Mahler's Second Symphony? Brahms Requiem? John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman recording of My One and Only Love? Sixth movement of Mahler 3 off the top of my head

4. What's the best thing about One World Symphony?
Colleague-eality (how do you make that a word?) [Collegiality. --ed]

5. What music do you listen to in the car or subway?
none -- prefer splendid silence

6. What is your favourite drink?
whatever is in front of me generally, but it does tend to be bourbon, rocks.

7. When you do have some free time, how do you relax?
run, meditate, watch sports on TV if anything good is on.

8. Why do you continue to perform with One World Symphony when you can perform with other ensembles that would offer more financial benefits?
not quite sure of that one myself yet ... it's about the art

9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
I think a writer of some kind; maybe a chef; something creative, I'm pretty sure...

10. Why would you recommend to other musicians and public to participate with One World Symphony?
The experience is unique and there are all sorts or musical experiences -- financially rewarding and otherwise -- that comprise each of our careers; So ultimately I think performing for its own virtue has extreme value...that and the music-making with Sung Jin, I feel, is for all the right reasons.

11. What are your hobbies?
various sports as participant (running, basketball, body-boarding when I'm in Cali)...some others as observer (baseball); love the food network and am an amateur gourmand, if I do say so myself. Movie Hound