Special congratulations to Alicia and the Oregon Symphony as they were chosen to play at Carnegie Hall. Woo!
There’s a great write up, including the following short interview with Alicia.
Alicia DiDonato Paulsen assistant principal flute Age: 32 Hometown: Stoneham, Mass. (about eight miles north of Boston) Years in Symphony: 0.75 (I just started in August 2008)
Moment you committed to being a musician: In seventh grade I went to my first-ever rehearsal with the Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble. We were playing a band arrangement of Gustav Holst’s “Mars.” It was simply the most amazing thing I had ever heard — I was in auditory heaven. Later, as a high school senior, I discovered the wonders of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony with New England Conservatory’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and was seriously, deliriously smitten with classical music. Come hear the OSO play Mahler’s Fourth in May! It will be my first time playing it in 15 years — you’ll be able to find me on stage by the huge grin on my face.
Hardest thing about playing my instrument: It’s SO HEAVY! Just kidding.
Age of my instrument: It’s a hardy 16 — I got it in 1993 as a junior in high school! It’s served me well and faithfully. It’s played with Bono, Elton John, Yo Yo Ma, Seiji Ozawa, Andre Previn, James Levine, Ben Folds … I could never give it up.
How much do you insure it for? A lady never reveals these things :)
How many concert outfits do you own: 15
If you weren’t a musician: In high school, I took a career quiz that indicated I would make a good farmer. I thought this was odd at the time; however, since moving to Portland I have been growing veggies and dreaming of owning chickens and maybe even a goat. So, perhaps a farmer. Also, I have always been interested in linguistics and writing science fiction.
On your iPod: Right now, on heavy rotation, I am listening to “Alone in IZ World” (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole), “Poetry and Airplanes” (Teitur), “Davy” (Coconut Records), Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto as performed by Leon Fleisher (with Cleveland and George Szell) and anything I’m working on for karaoke (usually hair band-esque).
Reaction to Carnegie Hall gig: I am thrilled for the orchestra and very excited that the East Coast will get to hear us. The symphony is sounding amazing; Carlos inspires us to play at our absolute best. The wind section is a pleasure to play with, and I can definitively say that this year has been the best musical experience of my life. I am so proud to be in this orchestra. I encourage Portlanders who haven’t heard us yet this year to join us at the Schnitz — I promise you a beautiful, meaningful and inspiring two hours. We love playing for you!!
Yay Alicia! Check out the whole article here.