Viola
Where were you born?
New York, N.Y.
What college did you attend?
Oberlin Conservatory of Music (B.M., violin) and Cal State Long Beach (M.A., music performance, viola).
What inspired you to start playing music?
My parents always played classical music when I was young. My mother used to sing. I was always surrounded by it, and when the opportunity arose in school to play an instrument, I jumped at the chance.
Why did you choose your principal instrument?
I wanted to play the flute, but my dentist wouldn’t let me! The music teacher suggested the violin. I switched to viola in graduate school in 1984.
What other instruments do you play?
Violin.
When did you start playing with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (what year)?
1986.
With what other orchestras do you perform?
The Pacific Symphony. I used to play with LA Opera and the Master Chorale.
Have you performed for any of the following, and if so, who or what?
Touring Artists: Cher, Sammy Davis Jr., Ben Vereen, Tony Bennett, Loretta Lynn, Charo and Melissa Manchester (played at Harrah’s Reno and Lake Tahoe).
Who is your favorite composer?
I can’t say I have a favorite, but I’m very partial to Mozart and Mahler.
Why?
I love the tunes!!! The music brings out a lot of emotions in me when I play. It just touches me.
What is your favorite orchestral work?
I can’t name one. There are so many that have their own special place.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while onstage?
I used to go a little nuts when it came to my hair. One Saturday morning, I had it cut very, very, short, and had it colored bright red . . . a total change from what it had been that whole week during rehearsals for a Long Beach concert. The concert was that evening. We were playing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Murray Sidlin was conducting. Right after we began playing, I made eye contact with Murray. He was staring at me. I think he was trying to figure out who I was! When he realized it was me, he broke into a big smile and shook his head. I’ll never forget that. I thought he was going to lose his place!
What do you enjoy doing besides music? (hobbies, etc.)
I love camping and hiking. I also love my spinning class and bike riding. Anything outdoors. I’m also becoming quite a gardener.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Goldmine Peanut Butter Fat Free Yogurt. It’s the best . . . better than ice cream!
Do you have family, kids, or pets that you’d like to share something about?
I have a black lab named Midnight. She freaks out when a plane does sky writing!! Ever watch CSI? Well, my husband does the real thing for a living!
Is there anything unique you’d like our audience to know about you?
Aside from my music, I also am the Computing Services Director of a well known high school in Orange County. I have to make sure every computer, as well as the entire network, is functioning.
Email address: kljviola@hotmail.com
