Chang Woo Lee, Associate Principal Cello

photo by Christian Colberg

Read Chang Woo's 'Meet Our Musicians' Feature

In my free time… I like to study interior design.

If I had not become a professional cellist, I might have become… an architect and an interior designer.

Music does not help me to unwind but silence does.

In my car, you will most likely find me listening to… NPR.

The ring tone on my cell phone is currently… O Sole Mio.

The last book I read was… Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Most people would be surprised to learn that… I have been in the BSO for 29 years.

The craziest thing I have ever done was when… I left Korea to study with Janos Starker at Indiana University.  I arrived unannounced, by myself on December 23rd with only one suitcase.  The campus was deserted & the dorm was closed.  I knew very little English.  It was an adventure!

One dream I have is to… open an orphanage, or at least to raise one homeless child.

The non-musical accomplishment that I am most proud of is… three wonderful children.

My guilty pleasure is… anything sweet-ice cream, chocolate, cakes, etc.

Someday I want to go to Turkey, Portugal, Argentina, Morocco-hopefully soon.  I would love to shop for antiques for my house.

The last two movies I saw were… Room with a View and Life is Beautiful.

How I prepare for a performance… First, practice until I am sure I can play the part!  Never take any alcohol before a performance.  More & more I realize the importance of mental preparation and concentration.

If I could choose another instrument to play, I would have to choose… the piano or to sing.

I do not play any other instruments.

My most embarrassing musical moment was… to mistakenly play when the entire orchestra is silent… every professional has suffered that embarrassing trauma at some time.

An extremely positive musical experience I have had was when… years ago, our principal cellist Mishy Virizlay fell ill.  I had to step in and play a difficult solo part in concert on just two hours notice, with Temirkanoff conducting.  I was a great success.

A profound musical experience that has influenced my approach to music has always been… listening to great singers.

If I could spend a day with any composer, I would choose… Puccini.