Favorite Memory of YPSO
Without a doubt it was playing La Mer in the Golden Hall in Vienna. It's hard to put it into words, because it was so surreal, but the euphoria I felt after that concert is something I'll remember my whole life!
Favorite Memory of David Ramadanoff
There are almost too many to tell! What always strikes me is the huge body of knowledge David has about the music, and his personal connection and history with each piece. When he told the orchestra the story of the performance of Shostakovich's 5th Symphony, conducted by Mstislav Rostropovich, given on the day of the composer's death, the entire orchestra was dead silent in attention. David has a powerful way of bringing the emotion behind the music to life--the history, the politics, and the human experience that drive the art forward. David's ability to connect us to a sensation of being part of a thriving tradition is why he's so memorable.
What I Would Tell a Friend
Being in YPSO is a completely unique experience. I've developed so much musically over the past four years, in my technical ability, my ensemble skills, and even in my awareness of musical history and theory. I know that if I hadn't been a part of YPSO for the past four years, I wouldn't be even close to the musician I am today. I also wouldn't have had the same great experiences! Playing under the baton of David is something truly remarkable. He's an incredibly distinguished conductor, which can be taken for granted but it makes all the difference. His confidence and his enormous expertise inspire all of the players and is a really fantastic way to connect with classical music. Finally, and most importantly, is the relationships I've built. I met some of my best friends here. We're like-minded people, all with different musical goals, who get to share in such a powerful medium and develop as a group.
Life after YPSO - Brown University