Viola
Where were you born?
Poughkeepsie, New York.
What college did you attend?
Boston University (B.M.) and The Juilliard School (M.M.).
What inspired you to start playing music?
My father forced me to take violin lessons. I didn’t like it in the beginning.
Why did you choose your principal instrument?
My violin teacher was a violist and I liked the sound better.
What other instruments do you play?
None—well sort of violin.
When did you start playing with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (what year)?
1996.
With what other orchestras do you perform?
Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and the LA Opera.
Have you performed for any of the following, and if so, who or what?
Film: “Beautiful Mind”, “Panic Room”, “Bourne Identity”, etc.
Other: Toyota and Coca-Cola commercials, etc.
Who is your favorite composer?
Brahms.
Why?
Rich, luscious sound.
What is your favorite orchestral work?
Brahms Fourth Symphony.
Why?
See above.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while onstage?
Watching a loaf of bread fly into the opera pit.
What do you enjoy doing besides music? (hobbies, etc.)
Yoga, cats, gardening, knitting and other needlework.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Phish food (Ben & Jerry’s).
Do you have family, kids, or pets that you’d like to share something about?
Cats named Béla (for Bartok) and Mimi (for “La Boheme” character).
Email address: KIRA.VLA.@VERIZON.NET
