Sarah Atwood, Violin

Where did you grow up? MA/NH/VT.
Favorite meal or restaurant? Omani food.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee.
What instrument do you play in the RI Philharmonic? Violin.

What inspired you to take up that instrument and how old were you when you started? 

I spent my early years at a research station where my father was doing his ornithology work. When I was 2 years old, I heard another biologist playing the violin for fun, and knew that that was what I wanted to do. It took me two years to convince my parents I really wanted to play, and so I started the Suzuki method at 4 years old.

 

What’s your favorite composition for that instrument? 

Impossible to name! It is especially rewarding to play any music written by a composer who also played the violin and understood the instrument, such as Bach or Mozart.

How long have you been playing in the RI Philharmonic?

 Since 2016.

What is the best performance you’ve ever heard?

 I’ve heard many, from golden age musicians and conductors. One performance by Menahem Pressler at Tanglewood stands out, when he was around 93.

What do you want people to know about the RI Philharmonic Orchestra? 

The RI Phil is a group of sincere, dedicated people who love music and love sharing it with others. We can’t wait until we can return to perform together once more.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?

 Practicing, working on a solo violin recording project, working out, and studying languages.

You’re stuck on a desert island… what book, music, album, artist and movie do you want with you?

A Tale of Two Cities because maybe then I’ll finally finish it, classical and hip hop music, and the Bollywood movie Lagaan.