Musician interviews with ASO Insider and Program Annotator Ken Meltzer are a regular feature. This month he speaks with the ASO’s Principal Second Violin: The Atlanta Symphony Associates Chair.
Congratulations on your 40th year with the ASO! How did you first come to the Orchestra?
I was a student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. The Concertmaster/ Personnel Manager of the ASO, Martin Sauser, came to the school to try and find violinists for the Orchestra. My teacher told him to contact me, and four months later I played in my first ASO rehearsal.
What kinds of changes have you seen in your four decades with the ASO?
I have played under three Music Directors: Robert Shaw, Yoel Levi and Robert Spano. The size of the Orchestra is somewhat greater than when I first joined, maybe by as many as 10 more players. This has helped contribute to the sound that we produce. Also, we have attracted some fantastic musicians through the years, which has contributed to the proficiency of the ASO. The orchestra is playing at an incredibly high level in comparison to other major orchestras. There aren’t many that are much better.
Have there been any concerts, during your time with the Orchestra, that were particularly memorable?
It would be hard for me to single out individual, memorable concerts. There have been many great performances under all three music directors.
What is your biggest hope for the future of this Orchestra?
I hope the Orchestra can continue to make great music in Atlanta. I love this city, and it deserves the finest in all walks of life. I feel the arts play a major role in contributing to the culture that Atlanta provides for us. The ASO is truly a musical treasure.
