Annemarie Scimonelli, Viola
Annemarie Scimonelli
Columbia Orchestra Member Since: 2002, I think?
Favorite Instrument: Cello, I would have played it but my hands are too small
Fun Fact: I am a nut for anything Harry Potter
I have been playing the viola for about 25 years. I love playing this instrument because violists are usually a down-to-earth, laid-back group and the music written for the viola is unique and interesting. I will definitely never forget the string quartet I gigged with in high school. We played in beautiful, old churches, malls, and even in the frozen food section of a grocery store (with a guy dressed up as a chicken conducting)!
As a child my parents encouraged my love of classical music. My sister (she played the violin) and I listened to cassette tapes of composer biographies on family vacations and we even had a memory card game with composers and their most well-known pieces!
My favorite composer is Antonin Dvorak because he played the viola, and he wrote music inspired by the common man of his home country. My favorite symphony is Tchaikovsky's Pathetique Symphony #6.
I cherish Monday nights with the Columbia Orchestra. I can get away from my real life as a Human Resources Manager and do what I really love. It feeds my soul.
