Gareth Zehngut, viola

Former violist with the San Diego Symphony

How long were you in the San Diego Symphony? 

7 years, since the fall of 2007

 

Where are you now?

The Minnesota Orchestra since June of 2014

 

Do you remember your last concert with SDSO?

I do! We played Brahms’ First Symphony and I was really glad to get to play it. I love Brahms and I think this was only the second time we’d played one of his symphonies since I’d joined the orchestra, so it was a wonderful way to close out my time with the orchestra.

 

Favorite musical moments from your time with SDSO? 

It has to be the Carnegie/China tour. There were so many things that made that special. Naturally, it was a thrill to be playing those concerts in so many great venues, but it was also an extremely eye-opening experience. All of the halls were so different from an acoustical standpoint, it was so exciting to be sitting in the orchestra, feeling how we adjusted to each venue. It felt like a test of the orchestra and we proved ourselves entirely up to the task.

 

Favorite hang out spots?

Sunset cliffs, the Regal Beagle, Aero Club

 

What do you miss most about San Diego?

Well, there’ve been several days this winter when the thermometer didn’t get above zero, so I’ve probably gained a greater appreciation for San Diego’s climate. That said, as beautiful as San Diego is, what I really miss is the people I worked with. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to call such wonderful people both friends and colleagues.

 

What would be your first restaurant/food joint if you came to visit?

Izakaya Masa!

 

Is there something that San Diego has that you wish Minnesota had?

An ocean…

 

 

Photo courtesy of www.minnesotaorchestra.org