Instrument: Timpani
Joined WSO: 2010; Extra musician since 2000
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB

What is your favourite piece to play?
There’s no way I can narrow it down to one. If I had to name my favourite composers, I’d go with Beethoven and Mahler. Both really understood how the timpani of their time could be used in the orchestra and were innovative in the way they wrote for my instruments. Their parts are a joy to play.

What is one of your most memorable live performances?
While I was a student, I had the opportunity to tour Europe with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas and to perform Verdi’s Requiem in Munich to a sold-out house. Despite being exhausted from touring and under-rehearsed, the orchestra turned in a performance that went way beyond any of our expectations. Something special happen in the concert that hadn’t been there in rehearsals.

What or who inspires you?
Other than my parents, no one is more responsible for my having a career in music than (former WSO timpanist) Jauvon Gilliam. He went out of his way to give me the best chance to succeed. Additionally, I’m constantly inspired by my WSO colleagues – being surrounded by great musicians pushes me to improve myself, and sharing the stage with the musicians that inspired me while I was a student sitting in the audience is really special.