VIOLIN
 
 
Heather Kao
 Concertmaster BIO
 
 
 
Heather Kao
 Concertmaster
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
 Asst. Concertmaster BIO
 
 
 
Dominic Greene
 Asst. Concertmaster
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
 
Nancy Case-Oates
 Principal Violin 2 BIO
 
 
 
Nancy Case-Oates
 Principal Violin 2
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/1993
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
My school music teacher
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Sting
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Grace by Lil Baby, Ft. 42 Dugg
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
Sting
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Sewing (embroidery and quilting)
 
Carole Bestvater
 Asst. Principal Violin 2 BIO
 
 
 
Carole Bestvater
 Asst. Principal Violin 2
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Cathy Antsey
 Section
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
 
Gabriel Brodeur
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Gabriel Brodeur
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2017
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
Family influence mostly, at first. Then friends, teachers, youth orchestra opportunities.
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Yo-Yo Ma
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Next question please.
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Keeping my 3 creative and bright daughters challenged and entertained!
 
Maggie Burton
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Maggie Burton
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Natalie Finn
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Daniel Fuchs
 Section
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
 Concertmaster Emeritus BIO
 
 
 
Peter Gardner
 Concertmaster Emeritus
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
 
Danielle Greene
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Danielle Greene
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/07/2011
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
My Mother
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Bomsori Kim
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Watermelon Sugar
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
Hey Rosetta
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Hiking, Baking, Photography
 
Stewart Gillies
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Stewart Gillies
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Karen Hawkin
 Section
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).
 
Valerie Hewson
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Valerie Hewson
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2016
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
My family!
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Classical Music – Hilary Hahn, Popular Music – Lauryn Hill
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Any Khalid or Dua Lipa song!
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
Amy Winehouse (if she was still with us!)
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Journaling, meditation, exercise
 
Andy Kao
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Andy Kao
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Jacquelyn Redmond
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Lauren Smee
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Kalen Thomson
 Section
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
VIOLA
 
 
Kate Read
 Principal BIO
 
 
 
Kate Read
 Principal
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Duane Andrews
 Section
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!
 
Maria Cherwick
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Maria Cherwick
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2016
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
My parents bought my first violin before I was born, so I never had much of a choice!
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Mandolin player Chris Thile, I’m obsessed with how his brain works, and every collaboration he’s involved with is brilliant.
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Ha! Hmm…I have Blinding Lights by The Weeknd on my “bangers” playlist. Are they still cool?
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
I’d love to tour with Dolly Parton. She seems like an absolute angel, and is the ultimate country/bluegrass icon!
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
I spend a lot of my free time learning new instruments (recently the banjo, and a Ukrainian instrument called the bandura), but I also love painting, cooking Ukrainian food, and I’ve recently learned how to keep a couple house plants alive
 
Chantelle Jubenville
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Chantelle Jubenville
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Ema Shiroma-Chao
 Section
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.
 
Norma Noseworthy
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Norma Noseworthy
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2016
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
Mother; pianist and music teacher
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Yo Yo Ma
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
 
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
 
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Academic writing, gardening, officiating competitive swimming, travelling
 
Jonathan Stevenson
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Jonathan Stevenson
 Section
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)
CELLO
 
 
Theo Weber
 Principal BIO
 
 
 
Theo Weber
 Principal
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Nancy Bannister
 Section
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
 
Amy Collyer-Holmes
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Amy Collyer-Holmes
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2016
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
A childhood friend who started playing cello a year before me.
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Edgar Meyer
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
All Hands – Tim Baker
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
I’m With Her
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
I maintain a growing collection of houseplants!
 
Nathan Cook
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Nathan Cook
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Laura Ivany
 Section
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
 
Sarah Jane Johnson
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Sarah Jane Johnson
 Section
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/2013
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
Jacqueline Du Pre
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
 
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
 
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
 
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Artisanal bread baking, knitting, gourmet cooking, playing the viola de gamba
 
Sandra R. Pope
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Sandra R. Pope
 Section
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Katherine Shipley
 Section
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.
BASS
 
 
Frank Fusari
 Principal BIO
 
 
 
Frank Fusari
 Principal
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
 Section BIO
 
 
 
Audrey Dawe-Sheppard
 Section
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
 
Denise Lear
 Assistant Principal BIO
 
 
 
Denise Lear
 Assistant Principal
When did you join the NSO?
09/01/1989
Who inspired you to learn how to play?
My Parents
If you could pick one living artist to collaborate with, who would it be?
Adam Ben Ezra or Esperanza Spalding
What’s a good song that’s currently playing on the radio?
Saturday Night Jazz with Laila Biali (CBC radio show)
If you could open a show for any artist or tour, who would it be?
Christian McBride
What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?
Yoga, Feldenkrais, Doggie Mom, Pet Sitting, Trail Walking, Baking, Reading, Golf, Jewelry Crafting, Karate, Painting Watercolour
HARP
 
 
Sarah Veber
 Principal  BIO
 
 
 
Sarah Veber
 Principal 
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
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