Alexei Yupanqui Gonzalez, Principal Cello
Where did you grow up? Andover, MA
Where do you live now? Brookline, MA
Educational Background: New England Conservatory of Music (BM'01, MM'04, & GD'05)
Personal info (family, kids, pets, etc.) Married, no kids
How did you get started in music? Suzuki Cello at age 4
When did you join the Rhode Island Philharmonic? Fall 2006
What are your non-RIPO musical activities? Principal Cello of Boston Lyric Opera, Section Cello of Boston Ballet
What is your favorite RIPO memory to date? My first concert as Principal Cello. Getting to play the fantastically difficult cello solo in the Shostakovich Symphony no.15. What a way to start.
Do you teach? If so, where? I teach chamber music at New England Conservatory Preparatory School.
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? work at Sports Radio or other sports media outlet. I am an avid Boston sports fan!!
What are your non-musical hobbies? playing and watching tennis and soccer.
Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? going to my first classical concert (that I can remember), hearing live Mahler Symphony No.2 in Munich, Germany (where my mother is from). I was totally blown away by the size and sound of the orchestra and chorus, but also so moved by the music. Mahler became one of my favorite composers.
What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? Besides Classical, jazz and rock.