Where were you born and (if different) where did you grow up? New York City; Roslyn, NY

Current residence and marital status/family: Gloucester, MA ; single; ring-necked dove named Freedom

Education: Undergrad at Juilliard; MM with Honors from New England Conservatory; chamber music fellowship from Yale University.

When did you start playing with the VSO? 1986

Other current jobs besides VSO:
Mantovani Orchestra, American Repertory Theater, Cantata Singers, Chorus and Orchestra of Westerly, Emmanuel Music. Adjunct flute instructor at Phillips Academy (Andover) and Salem State University. Lots of miscellaneous freelance work throughout New England.

Favorite composer: a tie between J.S. Bach and Aaron Copland

Hobbies: photography, gardening, cooking, art journaling/collage, collecting figural salt and pepper shakers, cemetery sleuthing

How did you get started in music? My mother claims I sang before I learned to speak. I knew from the time I was four that I would someday play the flute, influenced by a fixation I had for a cherished recording of the ‘Badinerie’ from Bach’s Suite No. 2 in b minor.

Describe a typical day: no such thing

Dream job if not musician: archeologist

Secret ambition: to sing on Broadway or in a jazz club

Favorite vice: candy, candy, candy (especially Jelly Belly jelly beans), candy, candy, candy….

People would be surprised to know that: I’m a bad-ass squirrel trapper.

Best advice I ever got: My great grandfather’s favorite saying, (in Yiddish though), “Courage lost–all is lost!”

Favorite way to spend an evening: Playing opera!

Pet peeve: The lack of an acknowledging wave or nod after giving a pedestrian or driver the right of way, (when they didn’t have it!).

I’m most proud of: My nine years of service in the Aids Action Committee’s ‘Buddy Program,’ providing practical and emotional support to people living with HIV/AIDS.