This weekend, 19-year-old violin wonder Simone Porter will maker her Houston Symphony debut performing Barber’s Violin Concerto. The Los Angeles Times, after referring to her as a “future star,” wrote, “Let’s strike the word ‘future.’ She sounds ready. Now.” Her performances have been described as “bold” (Seattle Times) and “virtuosic” (London Times), and she has already appeared with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and many other world-renowned orchestras. Recently, I got to ask Simone a few questions about herself and her upcoming performances.
Calvin Dotsey: When you first began learning to play music, what made you choose the violin?
Simone Porter: I became obsessed with the violin when I was 3 years old. While I can’t remember what it was that drew me to this specific instrument, I have a theory: I was initially introduced to classical music through opera—I fell in love with a CD of Puccini arias that my parents had in their collection. I think that when I was exposed to the violin, I was attracted to its singing tone and vocal capacities. I think the violin is the instrument that comes the closest to the most natural instrument of all, the human voice- it functions as such for me, because absolutely nobody would want to hear me attempt to sing.
CD: At 19, you are one of the youngest soloists performing with the world’s major symphony orchestras. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career as a soloist?
SP: When I first began to play, violin was a hobby—something I just did for the joy it gave me, and it evolved very organically into a passion, and finally a vocation. I was very fortunate to have a number of solo opportunities, and I realized that I loved performing solo more than anything in the world. I consider the experience of being on stage in front of an audience with other musicians all striving towards the same expressive goal a gift.
CD: How would you describe Barber’s Violin Concerto to someone who has never heard it before? What do you love about this piece?
SP: I adore the Barber violin concerto. Earlier, I mentioned that opera was my gateway into classical music, and I can’t think of any concerto that sings more than the Barber. Barber wrote so many beautiful works for voice, and his inclination towards the human instrument is apparent in the lyric beauty of this violin concerto. Both the first and second movements are delectably melodious. The first movement is both intimate and expansive- its beginning is quite contemplative, but it crescendos to a sensual and dramatic climax. I think the second movement is the heart of the concerto. It’s my favorite movement, it features some sublimely gorgeous elegiac, evocative melodies. The third movement hits the ground running and never stops- it’s a paroxysm of frenetic energy! The interaction between the orchestra and the soloist in the Barber is also very unique. The parts are so intertwined, their conversations so vibrant, the result is an incredibly lush sound world.
CD: What do you like to do when you’re not practicing or performing?
SP: My main hobby is reading. I’ve always loved books—like music, they have the capacity to transport, to provide solace, entertainment, and inspire mental and emotional expansion. I also feel that my love of literature feeds and informs my music making! I spend the rest of my time gabbing away with my wonderful friends. Talking is a great passion of mine—my garrulousness earned me infamy and the title of “Chatty Cathy” throughout my entire elementary school career.
Don’t miss Simone Porter at Jones Hall September 25, 26, 27, 2015! Get tickets and more info here.
