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When not rehearsing or performing on stage with the BSO… I practice as much as I need to perform upcoming repertoire, both for the BSO and also for chamber music and solo pieces that I perform. I love to play tennis, and I also run, use my elliptical, and occasionally go skiing.
If I had not decided to become a professional musician, I may have chosen to become a… baseball player if I could have, or meteorologist.
What kind of music helps you unwind? Great chamber music of Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Bach, etc. Also some rock music like Coldplay, Ben Folds and Norah Jones.
In the car, I listen to… WYPR! Where else can you get real news these days?
My current ring tone is… Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers.
The last book I read was… Saturday by Ian___? (I can’t remember his last name-you know, the contemporary British novelist.)
The craziest situation I have ever been in was when… a former BSO girlfriend and I got stuck on a patch of ice in the Grand Tetons about 25 years ago, and had to be rescued by the sheriff and ski company employees! We didn’t mean to put ourselves in danger, but we did.
What is your dream or if you have already achieved it, what was it? I was Concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony for 5 years, and loved the job. Now I dream about great performances with the BSO and my ensemble, the Atlantic String Quartet.
The non-musical accomplishment that I am most proud of is… my wonderful family life. Of course, I didn’t accomplish this by myself. My wife Jeanne, and my sons Eric and Stephen are just as responsible as I am.
My guilty pleasure is… after concerts (and otherwise), having a glass of wine, and eating a big snack, even if it is right before bed.
To prepare to a performance, I… practice, practice, practice. And a nap can help too.
If I could play another instrument, it would be… cello, preferably a baroque cello.
Do you play any other instruments? Baroque violin. Does that count as another instrument?
My most embarrassing musical moments include… many of my auditions for orchestras. They are very difficult and sometimes intimidating.
What has been an extremely positive musical experience you have had? Making music with only a few other musicians at a time can be a very spiritual experience; that’s why I like performing with my quartet so much.
If I could spend a day with any composer, I would choose… Bach.
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