Cello
Where were you born?
Pasadena, CA.
What college did you attend?
I received my B.A. in music from UCLA. I received a Master’s degree and recently a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UCLA (I attended USC for 1 1/2 years but did not receive a degree).
What inspired you to start playing music?
My parents took me to many classical concerts when I was very young, and my father played classical music every night after he came home from work. It seemed very natural to play an instrument.
Why did you choose your principal instrument?
My instrument, cello, was actually my fourth choice. The first thing I wanted to play was harp (vetoed by my parents because it was too large). My second choice was the lute (vetoed because there was only one teacher at the time, who lived about one hour away). My third choice was flute. In my elementary school program, woodwind classes began in the fifth grade, but string classes began in the fourth grade. Since I was very impatient and wanted to start lessons right away, I choose cello, which seemed to be the best of the strings.
What other instruments do you play?
Viola da gamba.
When did you start playing with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (what year)?
1980.
With what other orchestras do you perform?
None regularly.
Have you performed for any of the following, and if so, who or what?
Film: I’ve done some film scores.
Recordings: Various recordings.
Who is your favorite composer?
Brahms and Chopin.
Why?
Because of the evocative and melancholic nature of much of their music.
What is your favorite orchestral work?
Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, Resurrection.
Why?
It is very exciting to play and is emotionally fulfilling at the same time.
What do you enjoy doing besides music? (hobbies, etc.)
Traveling, swimming, snorkeling/SCUBA diving, reading and cooking international cuisine. I also enjoy reading cookbooks! My favorite one is a medieval Andalusian Spanish cookbook that a friend bought for me while on vacation in Spain. I would like to have a dinner party based entirely on recipes from that book.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee and passionfruit sorbet.
Do you have family, kids, or pets that you’d like to share something about?
I have two cats.
Is there anything unique you’d like our audience to know about you?
I have long been interested in music from other cultures. I performed for four years in the Arab classical and folk music ensemble, Kan Zaman, which is based in southern California. I also performed briefly with a Cuban charanga-style dance band, Tipica Antillana. I have also studied the Persian classical instrument, the kamanche (a bowed string instrument.) This interest led me to return to school to study ethnomusicology and I recently received my Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UCLA. My main area of specialization is the Middle East, and my secondary area is Africa. Studying the music of other cultures has given me a new perspective on Western classical music.
Email address: hoodk@earthlink.net
