A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Anastasia joined the Houston Symphony second violins in November 2017 having previously performed as a contracted substitute in the first violin section since the 2014–15 season.
After moving to the United States at age 17, her musical career took a diversion into jazz and contemporary music. Realizing her passion for orchestral playing, Anastasia returned to classical training and earned full scholarships to the Boston Conservatory studying with Lynn Chang, Indiana University with Jaime Laredo, and Rice University with Kathleen Winkler.
Anastasia has participated in numerous music festivals, including the Grand Teton Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Sarasota Music Festival, Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme, and the New York String Orchestra.
How did you choose your instrument?
According to my parents, when I was about four, I started asking them to buy me a violin and saying I wanted to play. Apparently, I was not taken seriously as this went on for a few years.
When I was six, my mom could not stand it anymore and took me to a violin shop. I wish I remembered how I got that idea in the first place, but I’m happy I did!
What would you be if you weren’t a musician?
Although it’s hard to imagine not being a musician, I would probably become an immigration lawyer. Throughout a decade of living in the United States, I had to jump through many hoops to stay in this country and achieve permanent residency. I never had a lawyer to guide me through this process, but I learned a great deal. I believe everyone deserves straight-forward, qualified, and affordable help when it comes to such fundamental decisions.
Do you have a favorite performance this month? What do you love most about our POPS series and specials?
I’m looking forward to the Harry Potter performances at the end of July. Playing soundtracks along with the film has been my favorite part of the POPS series. It is a much richer, deeply engrossing experience than simply renting a movie and watching it at home! As a musician, it’s interesting to get a glimpse into the mind of a film composer by seeing how the score and the movie fit together.
Would you like to share a particularly memorable moment from your career?
The Houston Symphony’s European tour last year was an unforgettable experience. Playing in fantastic cities and in some of the most prominent music halls, following the footsteps of incredible artists and ensembles who have performed there throughout history—it does not get much better than that! Also last year, I had the privilege of attending the Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming for the first time. Performing the Brahms piano trio there with my Houston Symphony colleagues, Chris French and Scott Holshouser, reminded me how much I love chamber music and how lucky we are to do what we do for a living!
Anastasia Sukhopara is sponsored by Robert G. Weiner & Toni Blankman.