Heather Kao

When did you join the NSO?

09/17/2012

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My brother Andy

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Boston Pops

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have

Who has time?

Dominic Greene

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2010

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Mother

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

George Benson

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Rosanna

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Toto

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Basketball, Running, Biking, Gardening, Reading

Carole Bestvater

When did you join the NSO?

09/05/2011

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My parents started me and all my siblings in the Suzuki method when we were very, very young. My parents were always the ones keeping us going when we were young.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

That’s a REALLY good question, there are so many incredible artists out there! Although, if given the chance to play with anyone, I’m the type of person who would rather disappear into the Appalachian mountains or the rural villages of Eastern Europe and find old fiddlers to learn from old fiddlers.

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

“You Gotta Run” by Buffy St. Marie and Tanya Tagaq. What a JAM!

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

I’m With Her or The Highwomen. Two incredible groups of outstanding musicians who I would love to spend time with on the road.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

So many! Being outside, generally — hiking, swimming, sitting and reading in the park.

Cathy Antsey

When did you join the NSO?

09/08/2006

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Dad

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Too hard to answer!

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

No tears left to cry

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

The Once

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Gardening, cooking

Maggie Burton

When did you join the NSO?

09/13/2010

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Andrew Mercer and Yvonne Stellisano

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Joanna Newsom

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die“

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Deerhoof

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Writing poetry, painting, gardening, spending time with my kids.

Natalie Finn

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2014

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Nancy Case-Oates, my first teacher!

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Brett and Eddy from TwoSet Violin

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Sunday Best – Surfaces

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

N/A

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love hiking and sailing when the weather is good! And if not, I like to bake

Daniel Fuchs

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2016

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

A violinist from a concert at a summer music camp I attended as a child.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Chris Thile

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Danish String Quartet

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Bread and dessert baking, beginner sock knitter.

Peter Gardner

When did you join the NSO?

01/01/1972

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My parents. Very supportive. My teacher at age 12

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

James Ehnes or Michael Legrand

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

None

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Dalida or Michael Legrand

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Musical composition, gardening, construction, antiques

Stewart Gillies

When did you join the NSO?

03/01/2005

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Joy of music

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

James Ehnes

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Straus

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

James Taylor

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Woodworking, sailing, skiing

Karen Hawkin

When did you join the NSO?

09/17/2015

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Going to a NSO concert when I was 6 and watching the violins shifting all over the place. I thought that was the coolest thing ever and I wanted to learn how to do that.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Eminem. I’m sure that’s not an answer you were expecting, but it would be an incredibly unique collaboration and no matter what you think of his material, you have to admit he’s a one in a million talent.

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I haven’t listened to the radio in awhile.

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Cirque du Soleil. The one time I was fortunate enough to see them, I was in a gloriously overwhelmed daze for literally two days. I have never experienced anything so amazingly postmodern in my life and I doubt I ever will again!! (Yes, I know they declared bankruptcy 🙁 )

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love writing, watching bad TV, talking to people, and I loved cuddling with my recently-deceased guinea pig Gilbert (passed at age 6).

Andy Kao

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/1989

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Dr. Andrea Rose

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Roger Waters

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Pink Floyd

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Reading, Video Games

Jacquelyn Redmond

When did you join the NSO?

09/11/2019

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My grandmother

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

The Gryphon Trio

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Metallica with the San Francisco Orchestra

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I write short stories and am working on a novel. I also really enjoy reading just about any genre.

Lauren Smee

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2020

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

I’m told that at age 2 I stood up and pretended to play along at a violin concert. I don’t remember this, but I am inspired daily to keep playing and striving to play better by the many wonderful musicians around me.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

This is really hard to choose, but these days I am pretty into the amazing violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery.

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I don’t really know much about what’s on the radio, to be honest! But I kind of like “Here” by Alessia Cara. It’s an introvert anthem.

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Oooh, I suppose it would be Joni Mitchell (if I could travel back in time to when she was performing), Broken Social Scene (ditto re: time traveling back to their heyday), and Owen Palett.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love hiking and reading. And baking cookies. I am a lapsed knitter/crocheter, and I have occasional forays into visual art and creative writing, which were passions when I was a child that I hope to make more time for someday.

Kalen Thomson

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2006

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Grandfather

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

James Ehnes

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Unknown

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Unknown

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Gardening

Kate Read

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2013

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Many people along the way!

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Kim Kashkashian

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hiking, cycling, swimming, gardening, cooking

Duane Andrews

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2019

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Emile Benoit, James Ehnes and Django Reinhardt stand out among many.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Margaret Atwood

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I don’t listen to the radio that much but have enjoying Robert Lippok’s Spotify Radio!

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Tony Rice

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I’ve recently been exploring making my own clothes!

Chantelle Jubenville

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2011

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

I have no clear memory of any one person who inspired me to learn the violin. I do remember the only violinist I saw growing up was a man who played violin at church. Later in life I can definitely say that I was inspired to continue to play by the other young musicians and faculty I met at the Kincardine Summer Music Festival.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

My Dad, who claims he can only play the radio, but we all know he plays harmonica every chance he can get.

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I rarely listen to the radio… BUT I am currently listening to Billy Sutton’s newly released album: Not a Word. (Available at Fred’s!)

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

No idea.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Oh my, I love so many things! Thankfully my husband never gets upset when I bring home more plants, canvases, or yarn.

Ema Shiroma-Chao

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2018

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My parents forced me! … But I would say my initial teachers (Angela Schneider, Joan Blackman, and the instructors at the Vancouver Academy of Music), as well as James Ehnes were my greatest inspirations in my youth.

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Patrick Watson

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Hell N Back by Bakar

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

The Marias

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I enjoy hiking, dragon boating, watching most sports, and quidditch. Yes – it’s a thing, no – we don’t fly (yet), and yes – World Cup exists.

Jonathan Stevenson

When did you join the NSO?

01/08/2018

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My father (Carl Stevenson)

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

John Williams

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Roses

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Supertramp

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Model Railroading, Model Building, FRPG (as DM)

Theo Weber

When did you join the NSO?

09/14/1993

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Bonnie Hampton

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Gerald Blackmore

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Peaceful Easy Feeling

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

David Blackwood

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Cooking, baking bread, and building things that go

Nancy Bannister

When did you join the NSO?

02/13/2009

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My first music teacher. Mrs. Murray

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Two Cellos

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

All You Need is Love

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Cirque de Soleil

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I enjoy gardening, drawing animals, collecting rocks, and painting rocks

Nathan Cook

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2020

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My parents and early teachers

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Yo Yo Ma. Sounds trite, but he’s an amazing human being and musician

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Oh man… I even have a teenager and don’t know any

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

2Cellos

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Gardening, reading (usually Sci-Fi), hunting for the perfect gluten-free beer.

Laura Ivany

When did you join the NSO?

10/10/2005

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Theo Weber

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

David Pomeroy

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Anything Julia Nesrallah plays on Tempo!

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

James Taylor

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Web design, gardening, baking cakes

Sandra R. Pope

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/1984

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Joan Woodrow. She was my piano teacher at the time but also taught cello. Her cello students would perform during our studio recitals and I loved it!

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Martha Argerich – she is a BRILLIANT pianist and accompanist

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I don’t listen to the radio

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

U2

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love to cook and am making my way through a new cookbook, “Run Fast. Eat Slow”. My other passion is running, hence the cookbook. Running clears my mind. My most creative ideas come when I’m running

Katherine Shipley

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2009

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

I just always wanted to play…

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Owen Pallett

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

Sufjan Stevens

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hiking, skiing, anything outdoors.

Frank Fusari

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/1993

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My high school music teacher, Mike Bergauer

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Natalie Noseworthy

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Any song on VOCM cabin party.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Photography

Audrey Dawe-Sheppard

When did you join the NSO?

09/07/1979

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Ewald Hajek (former NSO violinist) was my first teacher – he was the string teacher at St.Patrick’s. Up until that point I didn’t know what a double bass was.

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

Gaslighter by The Chicks

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

My grandson would think it was amazing if Nanny could share the stage with The Wiggles. I have seen performances of the Wiggles with Symphony orchestras.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Knitting

Sarah Veber

When did you join the NSO?

11/01/2016

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

I can barely remember when I started playing! But it was my teacher, Carla Furlong, who fostered my love for the instrument

If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

I would love to collab with harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, his performance energy is inspiring

What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?

I don’t listen to the radio often. I stick to the oldies.

If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?

I would open for anyone – any chance to play!

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I enjoy being outside and doing adventurous things like hiking and biking