Steven Barta, Principal Clarinet

photo by Christian Colberg

When not rehearsing or performing with the BSO, I spend my time…teaching at Peabody, working in the yard or making reeds.

What kind of music helps you unwind?  Something I am not currently preparing or performing.

In the car, I listen to…WBJC, sporting events and talk radio.

The non-musical accomplishment that I am most proud of is…my daughters Janice, Jennifer and Yoon Sun.

My guilty pleasure is…dark chocolate and making home brew.

My favorite vacation spot is…Italy.

If I could choose another instrument to play, it would be the…Cello.

Do you play any other instruments?  No.

My most embarrassing musical moment was when…my clarinet ceased functioning during a Summer Fest concert causing a delay in the middle of a performance.

What has been an extremely positive musical experience?  There have been many, but my work with my teacher Robert Marcellus was the most important.

If I could spend a day with any composer, it would be…Mozart.