183 - Cynthia Yeh

Cynthia Yeh joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as principal percussionist in June 2007. She previously served as principal percussionist for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Ms. Yeh received a Bachelor of Music performance degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Music performance degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Alan Abel.

As an active soloist, Ms Yeh performed with the Chicago Symphony, the National Symphony of Taiwan, the National Orchestra of Mexico, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Illinois Philharmonic. Ms Yeh has been featured Chicago’s WFMT program Live from Levin Studio. She performs regularly with the CSO’s MusicNOW ensemble as well as various chamber ensembles throughout Chicago.

Ms Yeh is currently on faculty at DePaul University and the Aspen Music Festival. She has served on the faculty of the National Youth Orchestra-USA, Pacific Music Festival as well as the Chosen Vale Percussion Seminar.

0:00 Intro and hello
2:00 The strike is over!
7:53 What can students do to prepare for the politics they may find in orchestras?
15:30 Inspiring listening, approaching a piece that doesn't already speak to you.
Growth as a musician
19:40 Any style or composer that you weren't interested in right away?
What don't we like...
22:20 How do you internalize your own sense of meaning in an orchestral work collaborating with
the conductor and ensemble, vs a soloist?
24:55 The CSO percussion section? Being Principal Perc..
29:40 Advice with and challenges with sexism?
36:10 Being on tour?
39:45 Most challenging pieces you've had to play in the orchestra?
47:45 Working with Pierre Boulez?
52:26 Bartok Sonata, HH muting contraption.
54:27 (Casey: Ampex tape recorder, Varese, Poeme Electronique, Bing Crosby)
58:15 Review question

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