What instrument do you play?
The cello.
How long have you played the cello?
I started in the 3rd grade so 46 years.
How long have you been with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
I started as the Executive Director in September 2019.
What do you do for a career before the WSO?
I have been in the arts for over 20 years. I have worked at New England Conservatory, Boston Lyric Opera and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Before I ended up in the arts, I worked for several biotech companies in patent research.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town south of Boston called Easton. The town boasts a number of landmark buildings designed by H. H. Richardson, originator of the Richardsonian Romanesque style and designer of Trinity Church in Boston. Some Richardson buildings in Easton include the Ames Free Library, Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, the Old Colony Railroad Station and the Ames Gardner’s Cottage. Many of the Richardson building’s grounds were designed by his good friend Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of Central Park.
It also had a great penny candy store called Nana’s. I would often spend my lunch money on licorice and Swedish fish.
What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
Living in Boston with free concerts at NEC and the rush seats at the BSO created many musical memories.
Favorite meal or restaurant?
Hands down favorite food is Lobster!
Favorite beverage?
Chardonnay
What is your favorite vacation?
I could travel to Martha's Vineyard any time - day, night or a moment's notice. From my door in Providence, RI to the Ferry parking lot took 1 hour and 20 minutes. Sometimes I would just go for a swim and a lobster roll from the Waterside Cafe and back. Even a few hours felt like a vacation.
You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist and/or movie do you want with you??
1) Aesop's Fables
2) Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
3) Moonstruck
What's your pet situation?
I have a 115 pound Akita named Suki. She is the sweetest dog.
What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
We will be Bach!
How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
Even during the lockdown the WSO office was open. I was a bit envious when I would hear about the massive organizing efforts from folks - Swedish Death Cleaning - does this spark joy? If I had been home I would have loved to organize my garage which still has boxes from my move here 18 moths ago.
Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
It is OK to have a bad day.